The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
December 2006

New Diocesan Banner
Created by Paul LaRose

"I hope that people will see the creator in it when it glimmers across the room."

A new diocesan banner was unveiled during the Diocesan Convention.

The exquisitely beaded banner, which bears the seal of the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, was created by Paul LaRose of Whiterocks. It was commissioned by Bishop Carolyn as a gift to the Diocese on the occasion of her tenth anniversary as bishop.

LaRose, a Ute artist and cultural leader, said that he worked on the banner for a year. Each bead on the impressive banner was hand stitched in place by him.

In his tradition, he burned cedar while we worked on the banner "for purification of the mind."

He added that he wanted to complete the banner "as enjoyment but also something good. I hope that people will see the creator in it when it glimmers across the room."

"It is good to know God in a creative way," he said.

A member of St. Elizabeth's, Whiterocks, he was encouraged to participate in the project by the Rev. Sue Duffield. He said that he sees it as part of his effort to keep alive traditional ways and traditional arts among his people.

He was selected as chief of the Bear Dance and has also translated some hymns into Ute so that they can be sung on Sunday services.

His house in Whiterocks is near the church. It contains many rocks. LaRose noted that Scripture says to "'build your house upon a rock,' and that's what I am doing."

He means it in a literal sense, but also in a figurative sense—he hopes to strengthen cultural foundations within the community.

The new banner will be on display in the diocesan office. Bishop Carolyn presented LaRose with an award during convention for his work on the banner.

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