The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
January 2008
Paths Crossing Charts Course
By Sue Duffield
The Paths Crossing
Conference this year
was an integral part of
the Summit on Native
American Ministries,
hosted by Bruton Parish and held at
historic Williamsburg, Virginia,
November 1- 4.
The Presiding Bishop, the Most
Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori was
the preacher and the Rt. Rev.
Steven Charleston was the celebrant
of the opening Eucharist on All
Saint's Day held outside on a beautiful
day on the site of the first service
on Jamestown Island 400 years
ago. Many participants of all ages
processed in their varied and colorful
regalia.
Speakers included Ben Yahola
(Muskogee), president of Earth
Keepers Voices of Native America,
who spoke of ways to honor creation
and to preserve the heritage
of the Indigenous peoples of
America. We heard from the Chief
of the Upper Mattaponi Tribe in
Virginia, Ken Adams, about their
struggle and others in the East
whose tribes are seeking to gain
Federal recognition.
A resolution was drafted giving
support for passage of the bill
before the Senate.
The Paths Crossing meetings
took a look at the past with a focus
on the future. There is a new oversight
committee comprised of volunteers
that will assist different
areas and responsibilities with
regard to the future Paths Crossing
conferences. These areas of responsibility
are: History/Archives,
Vision/Mission Statement, Youth,
Public Relations/Communications,
Event planning, Liaison to 815 and
815 Support.
Paths Crossing consists of congregations
that are involved in partnership
relationships involving
Native American ministry.
The closing Eucharist was held
in Bruton Parish by candle light
with the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith of
North Dakota celebrating and the
Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher as the
preacher.
Paths Crossing XIX will be held
at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church
on the Oneida Reservation at
Green Bay, Wisconsin, the week
after Easter, March 27-30th, 2008.
Hosts and contacts for the conference
are the Rev. Edmund and Mrs.
Blanche Powless. They may be contacted
at 920-869-2565.
The Rev Sue Duffield is vicar at
St. Elizabeth's, Whiterocks.
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