What can we learn from Episcopal dioceses where initiatives in global mission have taken off and flourished? The Nov. 19 Mission Thursday organized by GEMN will focus on “Learning from the Global Outreach of Dioceses.” Come to hear about the work of the Diocese of Texas and the Diocese of Albany as they share what has worked especially well in their settings.
The free webinar will be held at 2pm Eastern on Zoom. Register here.
Presenting from the Diocese of Texas will be the Rev. Dr. Meredith Crigler, chair of the Global Partnerships in Mission Commission. The diocese has formal companionships with the dioceses of Southern Malawi – home of the schoolgirls pictured above – Costa Rica and North Dakota. There are over two dozen partnerships undertaken by congregations, including with Colombia, Ecuador, Navajoland, Guatemala, South Sudan, Tanzania, various Caribbean islands, Nigeria, Uganda, Jerusalem, South India and Honduras.
Presenting from the Diocese of Albany will be Ms. Cindy Schmehl, chair of the Mission Committee. The group has been involved with the Diocese of Maridi in South Sudan, Madagascar, Haiti, Belize, Myanmar and Zimbabwe. It describes the scope of its work as prayer and spiritual support, education and awareness, mission conference leadership, funding and resource development, promotion and advocacy, and partnership and support. It has held an annual mission conference since 2017. “Walking the Way of Micah 6:8: Justice, Mercy, Humility” was the theme this year on May 1.
Since the introduction of Companion Diocese Relationships throughout the Anglican Communion in the 1970s, dioceses have become a major part of the church’s international mission. Diocesan links have, in turn, prompted the creation of parish links, multiplying the number of relationships and the number of people involved.
Dioceses have become increasingly aware that companionship, not charity, is the key to fulfilling God’s mission globally – being with rather than doing for, listening and learning, walking together and sharing life together. Participants seek to avoid cultural imperialism and colonial patterns of condescension and imposing agendas. GEMN cultivates these sensitivities in the Missio conferences and the Mission Formation Program, both offered annually.
Past Mission Thursdays have featured the work of the dioceses of New York, North Carolina and West Texas. Now come and hear from Texas and Albany!
