GATHERING PRAYER
Creator, we give You thanks for all that You are and all that you bring to us within your creation. In Jesus , you placed the Gospel in the Center of the Sacred Circle through which all creation is related. You show us the way to live a generous and compassionate life. Give us your strength to live together with respect and commitment as we grow in your spirit, for you are God, now and forever. Amen
Native American Ministries
The latest census information identified California as having the largest population of Native Americans. This number includes all of California. The Diocese of Los Angeles is home to approximately 250,000. These numbers include the Indigenous People of this land, “relocated” Native Americans and their descendents.
As Missioner for the Diocese, the Rev. Debbie Royals is available to meet with congregations who feel called to Native Ministry work, are interested in developing partnering relationships with Native communities, or would like to learn more about Native Ministry. Congregations may also want to consider scheduling an inculturated liturgy or Adult Education Forum.
Contact:
The Rev. Debbie Royals,
Missioner for Native American Ministries
Phone: 213.482.2040, ext. 284
Email: droyals@ladiocese.org
Native American Ministry in the Episcopal Church
From the time of first contact in 1607 at Jamestown and the years since, the relationship between the Anglican Communion and the Indigenous people of the Americas has become the longest relationship of the church with any community in the Americas.
On All Saints’ Day, November 1, 1997, the Presiding Bishop, Edmond L. Browning, along with dignitaries representing the Church, elders, laity, priests, and bishops of indigenous communities of the American Church gathered at the Robert Hunt Shrine in Jamestown Island to sign the New Jamestown Covenant and begin a new historic journey into the next century. The new covenant marked the inauguration of a decade of remembrance and a century of mutual mission and partnership. In the spirit of Remembrance, mutual Recognition and Reconciliation were lifted up to a new generation of hope and celebration for the Church.
For more about indigenous ministries in The Episcopal Church, click here.
In 1996 the Indigenous Theological Training Institute was established to focus on relevant training and support of the unique needs of Native American ministry and to form new partnerships with dioceses for training.
Indigenous Ministry in the Anglican Communion
A coalition of indigenous peoples from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and the U. S. (including Native Hawaiians) addresses the worldwide issues of indigenous peoples in the Anglican Church.
The rights of Indigenous people are represented by the Anglican Observer to the United Nations.
The Anglican Church of Canada is committed to a new relationship with the Indigenous (or Aboriginal) Peoples of Canada. This new relationship is based on a partnership which focuses on the cultural, spiritual, social, and economic independence of Indigenous communities. To give expression to this new relationship the Anglican Church of Canada will work primarily with the Indigenous Peoples for a truly Anglican Indigenous Church in Canada. It is an important step in the overall quest for self-governance.
Gospel Based Discipleship
Gospel Based Discipleship was developed by the office of Native Ministry. The process includes an encounter with the Gospel, either individually or within a group, using A Disciple’s Prayer Book and the Episcopal Lectionary. Individually it is a devotion modeled in format by the Daily Offices. It begins with the Gathering Prayer using the language and style of Native American prayer. When a group engages the Gospel by participating and sharing in the experience the encounter with the Gospel may provide for individual and group growth and understanding. The process invites individuals and the community to continue to develop an understanding of the Gospel as is the Episcopal tradition of studying Scripture.
Inculturated Liturgy Services
The liturgy of the Word and Eucharist in the Book of Common Prayer are designed to reflect the culture of the people. It is through prayers and music that we encounter the Sacred. Our traditions and ceremonies embody our faith as it is experienced in our worship.
Episcopal Council for Indigenous Ministry
In 1989, the Episcopal Council of Indigenous Ministries (ECIM) was formed out of the National Committee on Indian Work (established in 1969). They were charged with responding to the needs of Native American missions and ministry which began in 1814. Their work not only includes the support of Indian work in the diocese of Alaska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota and Navajoland but also 50 new ministries in 20 dioceses. They are also charged with bringing recommendations and advice concerning Native Ministry to the Presiding Bishop and Executive Council.
Guiding Principles – The Native Episcopal Church
- To regularly engage with the Gospel
- To take seriously our own spiritual formation
- To nurture and foster the spiritual formation of others
- To live the Baptismal Covenant
- To live as a community of disciples
- To foster reconciliation, healing and vision
- To pray and worship regularly
- To respect the spiritual traditions, values and customs of our many peoples
- To take full responsibility for our local ministries
