EPISCOPAL DIOCESE TO HOST INTERCULTURAL CONFERENCE
AND ANTI-RACISM TRAINING

SACRAMENTO, CA., April 17, 2009—The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, a diocesan community comprised of over 70 congregations and nearly 15,000 members spanning the Northern California Region, is set to welcome over one hundred regional Episcopal clergy, lay people, and volunteers from across the nation for this year’s two-day Conference, held at St. Michael’s in Carmichael, California. 

This year’s Conference, entitled “Enlarging our Tent: An Intercultural Experience,” will provide a rich combination of inspirational and timely topic discussion with a particular focus on intercultural relations, anti-racism, immigration, communication, and much more.  Anti-Racism Training, as provided by Episcopal Church staff and mandated by General Convention for all persons holding office or serving on staff in congregations and dioceses of the Episcopal Church, will also be provided.

Keynote speaker, the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, Minister of Radical Welcome at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Boston, and author of Radical Welcome, will specifically address fear and “our deepest desire to transform congregations and open hearts.” Keynote speaker, Rev. Dr. Winfred (Fred) B. Vergara, Program Officer for Asian American Ministries for the Episcopal Church, will also be present to speak to the many challenges and opportunities facing today’s intercultural ministry, with specific attention paid to changing demographics, open-ended immigration and increasing globalization. “How do we bear witness to the Gospel in light of cultural puralism and diversity?” are among the many questions he will pose and offer suggestion in preparing congregations to “invite, welcome and engage people from other cultures.”

For more information on the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California, or to receive additional Conference details, please visit www.dncweb.org, or contact the Office of the Bishop at 916.442.6918.

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