News Detail

September 12, 2012, New York, NY – Two ECF board members, Robin D. Mills and Nancy Duckrey Washington, Ph.D., have made an important commitment to the ECF Fellowship Partners Program. Inspired by the impacts being made by ECF Fellows throughout the Church, and expressing a desire to see more emerging leaders empowered to pursue their work and ministries, Mr. Mills and Dr. Washington have teamed up to fund an ECF Fellow for three years. As result, ECF is very pleased to name a fourth ECF Fellow for 2012, the Rev. Will Scott.

Will is Vicar of St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church in San Francisco, an 89 year-old congregation rooted in African American and Caribbean experiences, and now dynamically multicultural and inter-generational. St. Cyprian’s is committed to meeting the needs of its diverse urban neighborhood. “We believe the Spirit calls us to be infinitely adaptable,” Will explained, “At St. Cyprian’s, we celebrate our ongoing role as a voice for justice and reconciliation. We are also building generative relationships between bicyclists, musicians, foodies, students, seniors and seekers.”The congregation hosts a volunteer-driven community center, and aims to upgrade its kitchen space to expand current programs (free dinners, cooking classes, & skill shares) and develop new ones.

Will hopes to further develop the infrastructure behind the inspiring activities and relationships developing among neighbors and congregation members daily at St. Cyprian’s, and to nurture a shared environment where ancient wisdom and contemporary urban living meet for the sake of the common good.

“Over the years I have been so impressed by work the ECF Fellowship Partners Program has made possible,” said Dr. Washington, “but I have been frustrated that we have not been able to do even more.” Mr. Mills emphatically agreed, adding, “Now is the time for all of us who are able to step up and help to create real transformation throughout the Episcopal Church. Nancy and I believe very strongly that ECF Fellows are tackling critical challenges and I am thrilled to be able to partner with her to make an additional Fellowship possible."

For nearly 50 years ECF’s Fellowship Partners Program has empowered emerging leaders to transform the Church by supporting transformational scholars and leaders and awarding nearly 200 Fellowships. ECF Fellows continue their work as leaders at all levels of the Church, revitalizing communities of faith, charting a path to the church of the future with new ideas and innovative ministries, teaching, preaching, and serving God’s mission.

“We are extremely grateful for the dedication, service, and generosity that Robin and Nancy have demonstrated not only through this incredible gift, but throughout their tenure as ECF board members,” said ECF President, Donald V. Romanik. “Their wisdom, guidance, and faith have helped shape ECF’s mission and empowered us to do the work we do every day.”

ECF previously named three 2012 Fellows who are engaged in ministries and academic studies that encompass relationships between land, community, and faith; spiritual and educational exploration for young adults; and connections between science, technology, ethics, and faith: Ms. Sarah Nolan, the Rev. Deacon Kyle Pedersen, and Mr. Joseph Wolyniak. Additionally, renewal Fellowships were awarded to the Rev. Sam Dessórdi, the Rev. James Brian McVey, Sr. Greta Ronningen, Andrew Thompson, Elizabeth Anderson, the Rev. Rosa Lindahl Mallow, and the Rev. Altagracia Perez.

The deadline for 2013 Fellowships will be March 15, 2013. Complete information about the Fellowship Partners Program here or by calling 800-697-2858.