wfn.org | Multi-Ethnic Center installs director

[NewsDesk <NewsDesk@UMCOM.UMC.ORG>]

April 7, 1998	Contact:  Joretta Purdue (202)546-8722, Washington
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NOTE: Photographs are available with this story.

by Michele D. Manigault*

WASHINGTON (UMNS) -- Before hundreds of guests, the Rev. Anthony Hunt
received a traditional Native American blessing at a worship service
marking his installation as executive director of the Northeastern
Jurisdiction's Multi-Ethnic Center for Ministry.

The installation also marked the center's relocation from Drew
University in New Jersey to the Washington area. 

While the Rev. John Wesley Moore, also known as "Apady," sang and softly
tapped out the tune of a blessing song, Bishop Felton Edwin May of the
Washington Area and Bishop Alfred Johnson of the New Jersey Area dipped
yellow and red smooth stones into basins of water. In keeping with
Native American tradition, the residue from the dampened soft stones was
rubbed onto Hunt's face.

"The red stone symbolizes putting on the blood of Jesus, and yellow
stones remind us of the color of tears and Jesus' suffering," said
Moore, who serves a three-point charge in the Peninsula-Delaware
Conference. "The drum beat represents the heartbeat of Jesus because we
want the heart of Jesus to beat within ourselves."

The installation service, held at Asbury United Methodist Church in
Washington, included the voices and gifts of many cultures.

A multiracial children's choir from a suburban church sang. A dance
praise team from a predominantly African-American church performed. A
deaf ministry group offered signing. Scripture was read in Korean and
Spanish, and the Lord's prayer was sung in Korean. The service also
included a traditional consecration and laying on of hands.

"Life is a symphony, and God calls us to work towards harmony," Hunt
said. "When even one of us suffers as a result of racial injustice, then
the whole is out of harmony."

The Multi-Ethnic Center seeks to meet individual needs of Asian,
Hispanic, African American and Native American groups within the United
Methodist structure and help these communities to work together.

Founded in 1978 at the Theological School at Drew University, the
Multi-Ethnic Center rose from the Civil Rights Movement to address the
implications of racism in society.

Hunt said he wants to develop leadership, especially in young people, as
he works with ethnic minorities. He also sees the center as a consultant
to conferences, seminaries and other church agencies, he said.

Hunt, 37, has a master's degree in divinity from Wesley Theological
Seminary and a doctorate in pastoral theology and counseling from
Bethany Theological Seminary.

He has been senior pastor of Ames United Methodist Church, Bel Air, Md.;
consultant on evangelism and new church development for the churchwide
Board of Global Ministries; and a chaplain with the Maryland Army
National Guard.

Guests at the event included board members from across the jurisdiction.
Bishop Hae-Jong Kim of the New York West Area was among those who
attended.

# # #

*Manigault is communications associate for the Baltimore-Washington
Conference.

United Methodist News Service
(615)742-5470
Releases and photos also available at
http://www.umc.org/umns/