On 5-7 September, the UKME ordinands and curates' network, along with the Diocese of Bristol, hosted the ‘Called by Name’ conference. This provided an opportunity for individuals from GMH/UKME backgrounds to discern and explore whether God is calling them to serve in ministry.
The event, led by Rosemarie Davidson, the Church of England’s national minority ethnic vocations officer, was attended by 32 participants who are either currently serving in ministry or exploring a vocational calling. The workshops included a session on the shared discernment process, led by Becca Stevens, the Diocese’s Advisor for Vocations and Ordinands, a session on curacy led by Christian Saguyan, the UKME Vocations Advisor for Bristol, and a discussion on the experience of training, led by Cranmer Hall second-year Ordinand Pedro Martins de Feitas.
The opening talk of the weekend was given by Elieen Harrop, the Vice-Chair of the Amen Network. In her session, she shared her experience in discernment, curacy, and ministry. She reflected on calling, reminding the group that God’s invitation to ‘come follow me’ encompasses all of us in our diversity. She emphasised that God has a call on each of our lives, and our vocation is something to treasure and live out fully wherever we are and wherever we are placed. She also highlighted that Pentecost began by encouraging diversity, affirming its importance in God’s mission on earth.
Speaking about the event, Becca Stevens said: “The conference was a time of laughter, tears, and discernment as we journeyed together, naming and recognizing the challenges and othering that can take place when we explore our callings. It was also a time of great unity, and we named and recognized the joy and support in the vocations process.”
The event fits into the wider context of the ‘Transforming Church. Together’ strategy, which reemphasises the Diocese's commitment to racial justice and includes a dedication to recruiting and supporting more GMH/UKME clergy, staff and volunteers.
To learn more about the Diocese's racial justice commitments, please click here.