North American Cathedral Deans Conference meets in New Orleans
Episcopal News Service. April 17, 2008 [041708-03]
The 55th Annual North American Cathedral Deans Conference was held in New Orleans, Louisiana from April 2-7. The conference brought together Cathedral deans representing more than 100 Anglican Communion Cathedral Congregations from across the United States, Canada, the Caribbean and the European community.
The theme of this year's conference was "In the Mix -- the Music and Cuisine of New Orleans: Sustenance in Body and Soul." New Orleans Cultural Ambassador and Christ Church Cathedral artist-in-residence Irvin Mayfield was the conference keynoter.
In conjunction with the conference, Christ Church Cathedral's Cathedral Concerts series presented An Evening of Spirituals with Irvin Mayfield & Friends in a free concert performance on April 4, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Mayfield delivered the address at the 10 a.m. Cathedral Eucharist.
Participants visited various groups involved in Katrina-related activities designed to enable the continuing recovery, including Episcopal response ministries such as the Diocese of Louisiana's Disaster Response Case Management Program, the Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative and All Souls Mission in the lower Ninth Ward.
Participants were also treated to a morning of food talk and the history of New Orleans cuisine. A panel of experts explored the origins of New Orleans cooking, the specialties developed by various restaurateurs and the difference between Creole and Cajun cooking.
A lively discussion was followed by a traditional Po-boy lunch provided by Café Reconcile, a partner with the Diocese of Louisiana in recovery efforts focused on Central City.
A fun part of exploring the conference theme included the Cathedral deans and their guests participating in a traditional second line parade. The deans and their guests paraded with second line umbrellas down historic St. Charles Ave. to the sounds of New Orleans' own Storyville Stompers. Second Line refers to both the distinctive syncopated rhythm of the music played and the special kind of street dancing rooted in traditional African-American parades. The parade ended at Christ Church Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana, where the guests enjoyed music and traditional New Orleans cuisine.
The conference is designed to foster interconnection between the Cathedrals of the Anglican Communion and provides an opportunity for Cathedral Deans from diverse regions to come together in fellowship and shared ministry.