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National Conference of Asian American Episcopalians Held

Diocesan Press Service. March 14, 1974 [74077]

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. -- About 125 people participated in the events of the first national conference of Asian American Episcopalians. The historic conference took place in San Francisco, Calif., on February 7-9, 1974.

Clergy and lay persons from throughout the United States and Canada met during the three days to share their mutual concerns for the development of this new ministry, which was established by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church at its meeting last fall in Louisville, Ky.

The following areas of concern were discussed in the small group sessions of the conference: 1) a ministry to American-born and other non-churched Asians, 2) leadership development, 3) a ministry to persons who have immigrated to this country from Asia, 4) the strengthening and expanding of existing congregations which minister to Asians, 5) a campus ministry, and 6) a ministry to Asians in ethnically isolated situations.

At the closing session of the conference, which was held in the context of the Eucharist, Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino churchmen joined their Korean and non-Asian brothers in praising God and giving thanks for the opportunity of fellowship with each other afforded by the conference.

An interim group to be called the Episcopal Asiamerica Strategies task force will be appointed by the Presiding Bishop soon. This task force will be responsible for exploring and proposing a structure of organization for the 1975 conference.

A journal of the conference is being prepared. Copies may be obtained by contacting the Rev. Winston W. Ching, Executive Officer, Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry, 815 Second Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10017.

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