New resource examines cultural diversity in ordination process

A new resource that examines cultural diversity in the Episcopal Church’s ordination process has been produced by the Office for Ministry Development, in conjunction with the Episcopal Church Foundation, the Pastoral Leadership Search Effort and the Office of Ethnic Congregational Development.

“Meeting on New Ground: A Resource on Cultural Diversity in the Ordination Process,” is a DVD and study guide composed of several years of research and extensive conversations with a diversity of clergy and laity involved in the Church’s process of discernment, recruitment and ordination. It was produced by the Rev. Jerry Drino, executive director of Province VIII’s Office of InterCultural Ministry Development and priest-in-charge of Sudanese Ministry at Trinity Cathedral in San Jose, California.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, in her introductory letter which prefaces the guide, said that “Meeting on New Ground” invites bishops, dioceses, congregations, and schools of formation for leaders “onto new ground where cultural and ethnic diversity will be the common element.”

“I believe these resources will strengthen the mutuality of the church in mission and ministry,” she explained. “Theses resources are meant to be a vehicle to raise the level of, and focus the strategies for, mission in diverse cultural settings.”

Interviewees on the DVD include: the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, provost of the Cathedral Center of St. Paul/Congregation of St. Athanasius in Los Angeles, and canon theologian to L.A. Bishop J. Jon Bruno; the Rev. Dr. Winifred B. Vergara, national missioner for Asian American Ministries and director of Ethnic Congregational Development; Arianne Davison of the Diocese of Olympia and the Rev. Altagracia Perez of the Diocese of Los Angeles.

Two copies of “Meeting on New Ground” have been sent to members of the Standing Commission on Ministry Development, diocesan bishops and chairs on Ministry Development.

“It is my hope that these resources may truly be a gift to us all in our common life and in our journeys of community building, discernment, vocation, mission, and ministry and in the myriad ways in which we seek to meet on new ground,” said Melford Holland, coordinator of the Office for Ministry Development.

To find out more about “Meeting on New Ground” call Holland at 800-334-7626 ext. 5246