The Rev. Steven R. Smith is focusing his doctoral work at The General Theological Seminary, New York, NY, on understanding the history of mission in the Anglican tradition, particularly in Africa, its impact in the contemporary world, and developing effective ways of engaging American congregations in global mission. "I believe that a great deal of the conflict in the Anglican Communion today results from that fact that many do not have knowledge of, and appreciation for, mission and its historical and current impact on the global Communion. I hope that through my learning and teaching, I can contribute to the listening to and sharing of different perspectives within our Communion." One important aspect of Steven’s work will be spending this summer in Zomba, Malawi, at the Leonard Kamungu Anglican Theological College where he will teach and begin his field research. Steven will continue to teach about mission at parishes, as well as serve as mission consultant at Trinity Church, Wall St., where he is helping to create mission relationships in New Orleans, the Caribbean Basin, and Africa.
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The Rev. Joseph Hyvenson Joseph is currently working towards his Ph.D. in theology at Université Laval, in Quebec, CN, with specialization on Mission and the Holy Spirit. He plans eventually to teach theology in the US, but dreams first to "preach the Gospel of the love of Christ, and further, to prepare others to do so". To that end, his immediate plan upon completion of his dissertation is to help the Diocese of Haiti upgrade its seminary. In addition to providing essential spiritual and pastoral care throughout the Diocese of Haiti, churches are often the only source of important social services, and priests need training to become effective administrators of these ministries. At present, the seminary in Haiti is the only French-language theological institution in the Anglican Communion and provides important training and resources to the Diocese of Haiti. Upon its expansion, it may also be able to serve the rest of the French-speaking Anglican world as well.
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The Rev. Susan Richardson, Assistant Minister at Christ Church, Philadelphia, seeks to support children and families of children along a wide spectrum of special gifts, needs, and differences by developing a curriculum guide based on inclusion of all. While many churches have created ad hoc solutions, there is no systematized approach for adapting curricula, supporting parents, and including families with differing needs in all-family parish events, nor any centralized resource for congregations attempting to address these issues. Susan will connect with dioceses, congregations, the Episcopal Disability Network, and universities around the country to develop what is tentatively called the Christ Church Multi-Gift Program Guide, to provide practical solutions and resources. She notes, "We are so grateful that ECF shares the vision to include all God’s children at the table, including those with learning differences. This will help not only Christ Church, but congregations across the country, as we seek partners and resources for this project." Susan serves in the Diocese of PA and is canonically resident in the Diocese of NJ and her work has been endorsed in both dioceses.
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The Rev. Stephanie Spellers, Cox Fellow and Minister for Radical Welcome, The Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Boston, MA (2005-2008), is launching The Radical Welcome Project – a two-part project that "will generate models and resources to help the church tear down barriers, embrace The Other, and live out the radically welcoming dream of God." Working with a young, multicultural team to develop The Crossing, currently an emerging worship ministry at St. Paul’s, into a new congregation that intentionally practices radical welcome, she will then collaborate with a team to create curricula and materials congregations will need if they want to share radical welcome in their own faith communities. Stephanieis the author of Radical Welcome: Embracing God, The Other, and the Spirit of Transformation.
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