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REX/Daily Mail/Bruce Adams
UK News

More ethnic minority clergy needed in Church, says Archbishop of York

He has created a booklet on minority ethnic vocations and the Archbishop said there has never been a better time for Christians from those backgrounds to respond to God's call to ordained ministry in the Church of England.

The booklet is being distributed to dioceses in the Church of England and includes a contribution by the Revd Dr Sharon Prentis, curate at St Matthew's in Redhill, Surrey, and a mission support officer for Southwark Diocese.

Revd Dr Sharon Prentice from Southwark Diocese said people are reluctant to become involved if they do not see people like themselves represented.

She told Premier: "As Christians we've very much lead by the whole idea about going out into the whole world to make people disciples - and that involves the whole people of God doing that.

"People from different cultures and backgrounds, and races as well.

"I love that verse from First Corinthians 12, which talks about one body with many members, so we are the richer for having everybody be a part - in leadership, a part of congregation, a part of mission - we're richer for it.

"If we're not mindful of that, we deny the power of Christ to go out and really make an impact on the world."

Listen to Premier's Hannah Tooley speak to Rev Dr Sharon Prentice here:

The Archbishop of York said: "There is a greater need than ever for minority ethnic Anglicans to respond to God's call to ministry and servant leadership - we need people who are equipped for cross cultural ministry in our increasingly diverse society."

"We need more minority ethnic clergy as deacons, priests and bishops. We need ethnic diversity at all levels in the Church's ministry. This booklet shows how crucial it is for our ongoing vocations work in the Church of England. We need to see more minority ethnic Anglicans if we are to serve effectively and see churches grow, and to do that we must make and nurture disciples in diverse communities across England today."

Read his booklet here.

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