Commission on Black Ministry
The goal of the Commission on Black Ministry is to advocate for the needs of Black congregations, develop vocations, and support Black ministries within the Diocese of New Jersey. Most importantly, we continue collaborating with the Black Clergy Caucus and the Earl B. Scott chapter, Union of Black Episcopalians, to address leadership development and congregation vitality issues within the Diocese of New Jersey.
Members of the Commission include:
Canon Annette Buchanan (Chair), Canon Wendy Blackman, Mr. Marcus Gales, the Rev. Canon Andy Moore, the Rev. Canon Dr. Martin Oguike, Ms. Shawn Phillips, The Rev Petrina Pyatt, Ms. Linda Shomo, The Rev. Canon Clive Sang, Dcn. – Canon Missioner for Black Ministries. With the retirement of the Rev. Canon James Wynn, the Rev. Vernal Savage was recommended as the newest addition to the Commission. Along with others, we honored Canon Wynn for their contributions to our ministry.
The ten historically Black congregations that are our primary focus are as follows:
- St. Augustine, Asbury Park: The Rev. Dr. William Ndishabandi, Priest-In-Charge
- St. Augustine- Atlantic City: The Rev. James Wilson, Priest-In-Charge,
- St. Mary’s – Pleasantville: The Rev. James Wilson, Priest-In-Charge in affiliation with
- St. Augustine, Atlantic City.
- St. Augustine – Camden: The Rev. Petrina Pyatt, Part-Time Priest
- St. Wilfrid – Camden: No active clergy
- St. Elizabeth- Elizabeth: The Rev. Canon Andy Moore, Rector
- St. Albans- New Brunswick: The Rev. Salvator Ros
- St. Marks – Plainfield: The Rev. Angelo Wildgoose, Rector.
- St. Thomas – Red Bank: The Rev. Clive Sang, Deacon Administrator
- Christ the King – Willingboro: The Rev. Vernal Savage, Priest-In-Charge
Priorities:
Youth initiatives: We continue ministry support for youth, primarily from Black congregations. Our programs include Vacation Bible School, “Easter Celebration for Jesus,” and “Birthday Party for Jesus.” The programs include Music, Bible Trivia, Crafts, Youth Talent, and social interaction time. These fun-filled events focused on Jesus and included parents, clergy, youth leaders, and volunteers from the Commission of Black Ministry and Earl B. Scott chapter, Union of Black Episcopalians.
Monthly Meetings: The strength of the COBM is the monthly meetings held continuously to 1) inform, advocate and address issues impacting Black congregations 2) collaborate to provide solutions among the congregations, diocesan leaders, and the Canon Missioner for Black Ministry to enable congregational health and long-term vitality.
Clergy support for congregations: The COBM continues to focus on the need for permanent clergy, especially as very few persons of African descent are preparing for ordained ministry. Work continues to ensure congregations have active and committed clergy, especially deacons, and cultivate interest in ordained ministry.
Racial Justice Advocacy: We continue to discuss and champion racial justice issues in the diocese. These initiatives were all supported by the COBM 1) educational forums and advocacy actions of the Reparations Commission, 2) the Anti-Racism Commission’s trainings and 3) the Task Force for Urban Development outreach to urban congregations to address the inherent challenges from their communities and 4) support for the expansion of Haitian ministry across the diocese.
Black Congregations: We continue to host monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday to discuss congregation vitality initiatives and hold forums to further educate these congregations. Current examples include separate day-long forums held within the last six months on Health and Strategic Planning.
We are grateful for the support of the Diocesan staff and Bishop French as she joins our monthly meetings to learn firsthand of our concerns and share updates from the Diocese.
