Episcopal Press and News
Langford Heads Jubilee Ministry
Episcopal News Service. October 27, 1988 [88229]
NEW YORK (DPS, Oct. 20) -- On September 23, Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning announced the appointment of Ntsiki Kabane Langford as staff officer for the Church's active Jubilee Ministry. Langford, who has a background in community organizing around social justice issues, and in developing advocacy programs, first came to the Church Center last spring as grants administrator for the United Thank Offering.
Langford's appointment to the Jubilee post signals the good news that the popular program, established at the mandate of the 67th General Convention (1982), is entering its third triennium with great vigor and a determination, on the part of its active network of enablers and supporters, to realize the hopes its founders had for it and to take the next steps in its development. As staff officer, Langford will work in partnership with the Jubilee Ministry Committee, Jubilee Associates, Diocesan Jubilee Officers, and Jubilee Interns.
Two words that were applied to the approach envisioned for Jubilee Ministry programs from their inception were "flexible" and "evolving." Langford looks forward to continuing the work the program started in 1982. However, she sees the need to focus on the changing dimensions and character of the problems the Jubilee Ministry concept addresses. She is committed to the idea of the integration of evangelism, social service, and advocacy in Jubilee endeavors; she sees advocacy, especially, as an important emphasis for Jubilee's future -- a way of solving some of the root problems that trap people in social and economic despair.
Langford, who holds a M.A. degree from the School of International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont, is well prepared to meet the problems of Jubilee's future. In the past, she has developed advocacy programs focusing on apartheid, drug abuse, public education, and diverse cross-cultural issues.
And as an active Episcopal layperson, Langford affirms the parish and congregational ties of Jubilee Ministry as a source of strength and nurture.
