CMEAC Consultation Day

How is it for you?

“The consultation has stirred a number of things in me, and as part of one of my modules I’m hoping to lead a seminar on the question of race and the church.”

This was just one of the comments from ordinands (those training for the priesthood) from minority ethnic backgrounds who gathered together in London this Spring for a consultation day.

The day had been organised to give the ordinands a time to reflect on their current situation whether training in a college or on a regional course and consider their hopes for serving their curacy – their first post in the Church of England.

A number said they felt isolated in their training situation and thanked the organisers for providing a forum where they could share their experiences. Statistics outlined above show that candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds are a small percentage of those recommended for training but the numbers are increasing.

Key points that came up in discussions included:

• “The Church of England needs to recognise that one size does not fit all.”

• “Of the 400 ordination selectors only nine are from a minority ethnic background.”

• “Language needs to be more inclusive of ethnicity as it has become of gender.”

• “We need to tackle our prejudices in the same way we expect others to tackle their racism.”

Comments received afterwards also pointed to the importance of the day which made them feel more included and provided an insight into what is going on across the wider Church.

The Ven. Christopher Lowson director of the Ministry Division welcomed the group and shared his desire to increase the number of minority ethnic ordinands. Dr Malcolm Brown director of Mission and Public Affairs and former Principal of the Eastern Region Ministry Course was also present to listen to ordinands’ experiences.

 The day had been organised by CMEAC – Committee for Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns – of the Archbishops’ Council. The Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin Chair of CMEAC closed the day with a reflection reminding everyone that service should be at the heart of being called to the priesthood.

 www.cofe.anglican.org/ info/cmeac/

Candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds recommended for training

1997 - five (1.1% of the total number recommended)

2006 - 24 (4% of the total number recommended)

Naomi Ngururi,

ordinand at St John’s College, Nottingham

"I really enjoyed the consultation for minority ethnic ordinands. Meeting other ordinands who were on the same journey as me and sharing our experiences together in an environment of freedom and love was very encouraging and uplifting. My call to ordination started in 1993 and grew increasingly in the last three years while I was working as a Pastoral Assistant in Upper Holloway Parish in London. My parish priest and other members of the church there encouraged and supported my vocation throughout the discernment and selection process. I am now training for ordination, trying to embrace both the challenges and opportunities, and looking forward to a joyful ministry wherever God sends me."