Even so, let’s consider some of the specifics of these various identities as they relate to the mission of the Church. From the standpoint of numbers alone, international and ethnic ministries offer a tremendous opportunity for evangelism and inclusivity. We pay a lot of lip-service to the virtues of proper evangelism and the need for real inclusivity everywhere. Well, here is surely a focus of ministry where the abstract becomes quite concrete; the theoretical is truly a very personal reality. It is estimated that there are nearly 80,000 persons of Korean origin in the Northern Virginia area alone who do not have a faith community. This is roughly equal to the population of our entire diocese! I have not seen any recent
studies of Latino/Hispanic immigrants but I would readily and easily imagine that their numbers are considerably more than that, and spread more widely throughout the Diocese. My point, however, is not to play the numbers game. Yes, we certainly should be able to grow our international and ethnic-identity congregations. These are our communities that are ready and willing to embrace their neighbors. Within our own ranks right now, we have striking examples of burgeoning growth and inspiring potential for growth. If we could ensure adequate staffing and facilities it would seem that the sky is the limit (surely a pointed example of another of the five priorities”“strengthen our congregations). But there is even more
to it. Most importantly, this is about the opportunity we have to reach people with the Gospel”“actually, our joyous responsibility to do so. This is also about the opportunity we have to enrich and enliven our congregations through outreach ministries. And, let’s face it, this is about Anglo Christians broadening their horizons and therefore growing as disciples of the Lord Jesus.
I will have to admit that I did not read it all. There is nothing less pertinent in Christianity than who, if any one, will be the suffregan bishop of the Diocese of Virginia.
Is it possible to detect an unintentional condescension here? “All these poor little wogs without a faith community, we can have fun and help them out!”
There is much room in Virginia (as anywhere) for evangelism, without a need to focus on immigrant communities. Perhaps Bishop Johnson believes that Koreans and Mestizos are gullible enough to swallow the codswallop that passes for theology in the Diocese of Virginia.
Is there a detectable desperation here, with the Bishop looking ahead to find replacements for those who have left already, and those who will be leaving when General Convention provides the good bishop with the fig leaf he needs to enforce his repeatedly stated desire for revisionist inclusivity?
I’m oppossed to Balkanizing the church (and country) in this way. Rather than Korean or Hispanic, or what-have-you congregations, we should be inviting members of minority groups into our existing parishes and integrating them into the fabric of our parish life. We are an overwhelming white, Anglo, congregation in a rural Southern town but we have a large extended Nigerian family, and several African American and mixed race families in our parish.