Explanation

Most institutions within The Episcopal Church are controlled by Anglo/Whites/Westerners. The fact that the Presiding Bishop is a person of color does not mean that there is still not substantial work to diversify leadership in The Episcopal Church. There are significant cultural differences between (and within) racial and ethnic groups, and all of them have different histories with The Episcopal Church. Economic and class distinctions also present complicating issues. All congregations and clergy should be encouraged to identify, recruit and mentor people of diverse racial, cultural and ethnic backgrounds who are discerning vocations to lay or ordained ministries. There is a specific need to train commissions on ministry in recognizing and dismantling barriers that traditional discernment processes present to aspirants for ordination who come from (and who may serve in) ethnic minority congregations or from congregations with a sizeable proportion of people of color. Culturally appropriate approaches to theological educational are also needed in seminaries and other settings. It is expected that the Formation Network Team would work closely with the Executive Council Committee on Anti-Racism and the Ethnic Ministries Department of TEC to make resources available to as many persons as possible.