We are blessed to have a number of clergy and licensed lay ministers from a minority ethnic heritage in the diocese, and we aim to be welcoming and inclusive. Widening access to vocations from those of minority ethnic backgrounds is a priority, and vocations events are being reshaped to facilitate this.
Revd Regan Meares is the UK Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion in the Diocese of Bristol.
To answer Gods call and to use the gifts that God has given us to build his kingdom is probably the most important thing a human being can do. It is also one of the hardest things that we can do because we often face resistance and we also face the ups and downs of life as we discern where God is calling us and as we go out to do the work he has given us to do. In my walk with God, I have been privileged to experience different types of ministries such as Licenced Lay Ministry, Prison Chaplaincy and Parish Ministry as a Vicar. Throughout these different types of Ministries, I have been blessed to have people around me to support, encourage, guide and care for me. When the opportunity arose to be the UKME Vocations Champion, I knew it was something that God had put before me as I long to accompany people in the discernment process. Not only to accompany them but to support, encourage, guide and care for them as many people have done and continue to do for me.
A number of clergy in the diocese from a minority ethnic background meet regularly for mutual encouragement and support, and some are available as mentors to those in the discernment process. If you would like to connect with any of them - even just for a chat - please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Connect with the group Contact the Adviser for Vocations and Ordinands