The Episcopal City Mission (ECM), an affiliated organization of the Diocese, works for social and economic justice in Massachusetts with particular emphasis on the urban poor. Using a theological context, ECM explores issues such as housing, community economic development, youth and education, and criminal justice in a theological context and realizes its mission through grant-making, socially responsible investment, and advocacy.

For more information about the Episcopal City Mission please visit the ECM web site.

One of the best ways to show you care is to talk with your legislators and to speak with your vote. Find out who your legislators are.

The Urban Residents Program of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts deploys newly ordained clergy in congregations committed to vital ministry and mission in the city.

The application process for 2008 is now closed.

The program seeks to address two urgent needs:

• The need to infuse creative energy and leadership into our city parishes
  • Urban Residents will help to stimulate growth and missional vitality in urban congregations, working closely with the clergy and lay leadership in order to maximize opportunities for invitation, formation, outreach and service.
• The need to equip clergy to face the challenges and complexities of urban ministry.
  • The Urban Residents Program will develop more resourceful, inventive and faithful leaders for the church. We believe clergy formed in the crucible of our multicultural, socio-economically diverse, continuously evolving cities will be well prepared to lead a changing church.

Through the Urban Residents Program, the Diocese of Massachusetts funds ten full-time, three-year assistant positions, deploying one new assistant every year for 10 years. Congregations receiving an assistant should demonstrate a clear and compelling vision for ministry in their context, the capacity and commitment to train and mentor new clergy, and concrete engagement with the Diocesan Mission Strategy. Successful candidates will possess a passion for urban ministry and the ability to empower lay leadership, along with the readiness to take on a full-time, three-year post. The program will be administered under the supervision of the Office of the Suffragan Bishop for Urban Congregations.

Although priority will be given to people ordained in the Diocese of Massachusetts, the ethnic, racial, cultural and linguistic diversity of our urban communities requires the consideration of candidates throughout the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Following completion of the program, an Urban Resident must first consider positions in this diocese.

For more information, contact the Rev. Gregory A. Jacobs, staff officer for urban ministry development (shp [at] diomass [dot] org, 617-482-4826, ext. 404) or Suzette Phillips, assistant to the Rt. Rev. Gayle Harris (shp [at] diomass [dot] org, 617-482-4826, ext. 222).

What does it take to Invite, Form, Send and Serve in urban centers?

• A staff officer for urban ministry development has been hired who serves as a senior-level advocate, resource and facilitator for urban congregational development and clergy deployment/support
• Equip urban congregations to engage in mutual relationships with representatives of the global community who now live in their midst
• Create a $15-million fund to support mission-specific capital expenses so to create 21st-century centers for mission and ministry
  from 19th-century urban churches
• Recruit and train lay and ordained leaders for urban congregations, including sending clergy Urban Residents to 10 congregations over 10 years
• Plant eight new congregations of the unchurched, new immigrants, seekers and young adults
• Identify creative ministry models and pursue possibilities for implementation
• Work together as a diocese to address issues of social and economic justice that disproportionately affect urban centers in the church, as well as the
  world
• Develop an urban training center for encounter, enrichment, education and engagement that employs and enhances the gifts of lay and clergy leaders for transformative ministry
• Establish meaningful, mutual partnerships among congregations and/or community organizations that respect the presence, voice and power of all partners.