Wednesday, September 17, 2008

South Carolina Seeks to Bolster Black Parishes

A report form The Living Church about a conservative Diocese not distracted by realignment questions but focused on evangelism and Gospel ministry.

During the past 10 years, the Diocese of South Carolina has experienced one of the highest rates of growth in baptized members and attendance in The Episcopal Church, but to the consternation of Bishop Mark Lawrence the diocese’s African American congregations and clergy have not shown abundant growth.

The realization of this disparity came to light during a meeting on Sept. 6 involving Bishop Lawrence, members of the clergy and lay leadership of the diocese’s African American congregations, as well as other African American clergy. This was Bishop Lawrence’s first opportunity to meet and greet many of these individuals since he was consecrated bishop last January. In all, about 85 persons attended and have agreed to work together to strengthen the diocese’s African American congregations.

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2008/9/16/south-carolina-seeks-to-bolster-black-congregations

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