Episcopal educators gather in the Dominican Republic
Episcopal News Service. December 6, 2007 [120607-01]
Members of the Standing Commission on Lifelong Christian Education and Formation, the PEALL (Proclaiming Education for All) task force and the Province IX Curriculum Writers Group received a warm welcome from Dominican Republic Bishop Julio Cesar Holguin as they gathered for an impromptu meeting in Santo Domingo, Diocesis de República Dominicana on November 16.
The group shared stories about the educational ministry that brought each of them to the Dominican Republic, as well as what presents a challenge as their work continues.
"The purpose for meeting in the Dominican Republic for PEALL and the Standing Commission was really to understand the contextual issues that the church faces in Province IX," said Sharon Ely Pearson, PEALL member and Christian educator for the Diocese of Connecticut.
Supported by three departments of the Episcopal Church Center -- Children's Ministries and Christian Education, Office for Ministry Development, and the Office of General Convention -- each group had expressed a desire to conduct their business in the Dominican Republic.
The Standing Commission -- which was charged with developing and recommending comprehensive and coordinated policies for children, youth, adults, and seniors for lifelong Christian formation -- convened in the Dominican Republic for its semi-annual meeting where members visited Episcopal schools and spent time deliberating on their charge as a commission.
Members of PEALL visited the students and teachers of Centro de Estudios Teologicos (Seminary of Santo Domingo), the San Andres Church and School in Santo Domingo and San Marcos Church and School in Haina.
The Curriculum Writers were concluding their 10-day work session in which they wrote 16 lesson plans for a newly created curriculum especially designed for the churches in Province IX.
According to Pearson, each individual, no matter which group they belonged to, rejoiced in the creativity and solidarity that brought them together to "make a difference in Christian formation and education in the Episcopal Church for generations to come."
Veronica Flowers, of Honduras, Provincial IX Christian education coordinator, noted that this was "a historic moment for the province."
Francisco Morales of Puerto Rico said that the group had come together as a unit, even though they brought different cultures and needs. Within the great diversity of Christian education it was emphasized "the church, a place for each age and for each age a place in the church."
Themes for the gathering were:
- Identity -- different cultures but one identity;
- Integration -- while from different cultures that are all members of the same province and Church;
- Methodology -- one of creative happiness, joyfulness and full participation; and
- Adoration -- in worship we come together as Episcopalians.
Christian educators from the eight dioceses in Latin America prepared lessons for four age groups -- infants-5 years; 6-11 years; 12-23 years; and adults and elders. Each lesson focused on serving, knowledge, sharing and experiencing Christ.
The Rev. P. Isaias Rodriguez, PEALL member from the Diocese of Atlanta, organized this work within the themes that were selected from a group of Province IX theologians, who wrote: making an evaluation and prioritizing sacred scripture; fundamentals of the faith; church as the people of God; liturgy with a special focus on the Book of Common Prayer. This new methodology is intended for use in all the dioceses and for all ages.
Both PEALL and the Standing Commission, recognizing that the Episcopal Church is not a "national church but a multi-ethnic, international church," applauded the work of this group, noting their commitment to work together despite their cultural diversity for the benefit of all.
Since its inception, PEALL has held numerous consultations to learn best practices as well as the needs of the Church in the educational arena. Among the many initiatives conducted by PEALL to inform its 2009 report to General Convention are:
- A history of education and ministry development since 1965 is in the process of being written
- The Council of Seminary Deans is learning more about local and diocesan formation programs
- A new Diocesan Christian Educators network has been established and various surveys have been conducted regarding formation ministry on the diocesan and parish level.
To learn more email Pearson at spearson@cpg.org; the Rev. Melford "Bud" Holland, Office for Ministry Development at bholland@episcopalchurch.org; or Donn Morgan, Church Divinity School of the Pacific at dmorgan@cdsp.edu.