Episcopal News Service January 25, 2007
Winfred Vergara named director of Ethnic Congregational Development
By Daphne Mack
[ENS] The Rev. Dr. Winfred (Fred) B. Vergara has been named director of Ethnic Congregational Development (ECD) for the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. James B. Lemler, director of Mission, announced on January 25.
The Office of ECD, an integral part of the church's work of evangelism, holds advocacy and congregational development as equal responsibilities. It is comprised of the offices for Asian American Ministries, led by Vergara; Black Ministries, led by the Rev. Canon Angela Ifill; Native American Ministries, led by Janine Tinsley-Roe; and Latino/Hispanic Ministries, led by the Rev. Anthony Guillén.
"What we saw in Fred was a real zeal for mission," said Lemler. "He is a person who understands that the multicultural reality of mission and of the church in the 21st century is at the very forefront of what it is for us to be a church."
Vergara succeeds the Rt. Rev. Arthur B. Williams, Jr., retired bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Ohio, who served in the position for nearly four years at the request of former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold.
"This position is a great honor, and a large responsibility but I am looking forward to it," said Vergara.
In his letter of intent, Vergara said as a leader he is able to see the "big, hairy audacious goals" but can prioritize so that the goals become specific, attainable and measurable.
"Over the past two years as Missioner, I have led the Asia American Ministries unit to achieve the highest growth in congregational development, advocacy for Asian involvement, support for Asian clergy, youth, women and seminarians, and training of Asian leaders for effective ministry," he said.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_81699_ENG_HTM.htm
- - - - - - - - -
To SUBSCRIBE to Episcopal News Service, send a blank email message, from the address which you wish subscribed, to join-enslist@epicom.org and include "subscribe" in the subject line.
Send QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS to news@episcopalchurch.org
ENS provides information and resources which we consider to be of interest to our readers. However, statements and opinions expressed in the articles and communications herein, are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of ENS or the Episcopal Church.