ECF hosts the second annual Young Clergy Gathering
On Thursday, June 16, 2023 the Episcopal Church Foundation (ECF) hosted an energetic group of young Episcopal clergy persons in the dioceses of New York, Connecticut, Newark and Long Island for its second annual Young Clergy Gathering.
In these rapidly changing times, the Young Clergy Gathering acknowledges the evolving landscape of the church and the need for adaptable and visionary leaders. The Episcopal Church, like many other religious institutions, faces a multitude of challenges and opportunities in the modern world. Rapid technological advancements, shifting cultural norms, and changing demographics have all contributed to a transformed social and religious landscape.
This Young Clergy Gathering recognizes the importance of equipping young clergy with the tools, support, and inspiration needed to navigate these changes and shape the future of the church.
Organized by ECF in partnership with the Rev. Landon Moore, priest-in-charge of St. George’s Brooklyn and Vicar for Vocation with the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, the Young Clergy Gathering is designed to foster a community of young leaders and provide them with diverse perspectives, resources, and mentorship. The Young Clergy Gathering strives to empower these clergy members to embrace innovation, engage with contemporary issues, and lead The Episcopal Church into a vibrant and relevant future.
Figure 1: Participants at the Young Clergy Gathering
We were honored to have Congressman Hakeem Jeffries of the Eighth Congressional District of New York address and encourage the gathering, drawing on his own life experience and discipleship.
Figure 2: Congressman Hakeem Jeffries with Donald Romanik
Speakers included four regional Bishops – The Rt. Rev Lawrence Provenzano, Bishop of Long Island, The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes, Bishop of Newark, The Rev. Mathew Foster Heyd, Bishop Coadjutor- Elect of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the Rt. Rev. Jeff Mello, Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, who all addressed the group offering stories from their experience and words of encouragement.
Figure 3: Four Regional Bishops and Rev. Dr. Douglas in conversation
Other speakers included The Very Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Dean of the Episcopal Divinity School at Union, Mary Kate Wold, CEO and President of The Church Pension Fund, Dr. Allen Robinson, Rector of Grace Church in Brooklyn Heights and Donald Romanik, President of the Episcopal Church Foundation.
More than 30 young clergy persons from the Dioceses of New York, Newark, Long Island and Connecticut attended the gathering that included presentations, engaging fellowship and celebration of the Eucharist.
ECF is committed to partnering with young clergy whose vision, passion and leadership will usher in a vibrant future for The Episcopal Church.