Commission for Intercultural Ministries 2023 Year-End Message
In these early days of 2024, it is a time to reflect on the many ways our ministries were blessed in 2023, and to express gratitude to all of you who have contributed your time, creativity, and passion to building the Beloved Community in the Diocese of Northern California.
Our accomplishments are many, but I want to highlight each ministry.
- The Rainbow Ministry Team was formed and has taken steps to support our congregations to be more welcoming and affirming for our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. Planning is underway to launch the Safe Zone training program which will raise awareness and build the capacity of our congregations to be allies. Susanna Curry and Rev. Delia Fay lead this ministry.
- The Latino/Hispanic Ministry Team has grown and is planning training for clergy and lay leaders to be more effective to reach out to our Latino/Hispanic neighbors, to share the message of God’s abundant love. Rev. Mack Olson, Missioner for Church Life, leads this ministry.
- The Racial Justice Audit (RJA) project completed its first year of study of our diocesan leadership. As the report is being reviewed for follow-up actions, the RJA Team is planning for the second year of the study which will engage with diocesan congregations. Lynn Zender and Jo Ann Williams lead this ministry.
- The Indigenous Ministry is continuing its efforts to support congregations to develop land acknowledgments that reflect a commitment to have meaningful relationships with the local tribal communities. The Rev. Canon Tina Campbell leads this ministry.
- The Refugee Resettlement Ministry continues to welcome refugees and immigrants to our communities and provide the necessary support for their successful transitions. Bob Wohlsen leads this ministry.
- Sacred Ground and the one-day workshop, “I Will, With God’s Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice,” continue to enrich clergy and lay leadership to support their efforts to build the Beloved Community in the congregations and communities around them. Karen Nolan provides support to the Sacred Ground Circles. Miriam Casey and Jo Ann Williams coordinate the workshop.
