In March, seminarian students from across the country gathered in Miami to engage in learning about the needs of various groups of people faith leaders will encounter in their ministries. This conference is designed to bring together Episcopal seminarians of color who Asiamerica, Black, Indigenous, and Latino/Hispanic backgrounds and communities. Conference focuses included sharing common visions and dreams, concerns, and issues experienced in seminary settings, as well as nurturing cross-cultural friendships in a welcoming environment.
YES Institute offered a three-hour interactive presentation that included heartfelt and powerful testimony from Isabelle Camille, author of Sole’s Mom, YES Institute Board Member Tommy Murrell, and parent speaker Andrea Lince and staff member Tony Martinez.
Reflections from participants include:
“This is THE MOST useful clergy workshop programming I have ever attended.”
“It inspired me and gave me such comfort that groups like this exist and are working to support and empower the most marginalized among us. This is the work of making earth a better reflection and image of the kingdom of God, which as Christians, is truly the only work that matters.”
“The YES Institute has my mind spinning— I’m thinking deeply and considering ways we can continue to learn and teach others; sharing narratives of truth and witnesses.”
“I hope to be able to devote my life to fostering environments and relationships that make the marginalized feel safe, loved, and valued. I think that engaging and educating parents is a vital component of this because what a vulnerable and questioning youth needs more than anything is that foundation of support that starts at home.”
YES Institute has a long history of working with, serving, and engaging religious leaders who can play a vital role in youth and family mental health, fostering communities of care and connection, and providing communication skills and frameworks to amplify voices for safety and well-being.
If you are interested in having YES Institute partner with your organization, please use this Request for a Proposal form and we will contact you!