
The Dioceses of Alabama and the Virgin Islands have agreed to renew their Companion Relationship until January 2022. Alabama's decision was formally made at its 188th Diocesan Convention, which took place at Camp McDowell from February 8th to 10th. The resolution noted that since the relationship began three years ago, it "has grown, as envisioned, engaging multiple levels of relationship with clergy development, youth engagement, and spiritual deepening" and that "parish to parish relationships have begun".
In 2015 several youth from the Virgin Islands travelled to Camp McDowell for Senior Camp and this was followed by a Co-Diocesan Camp on the island of Tortola the following year. Last year, one youth from the Virgin Islands served at Sawyerville Camp in Alabama, a four-session, month-long experience for underprivileged youth. Plans are underway for several youth to attend Camp McDowell this year, and it is hoped that the Virgin Islands will be able to host an event next year.
In response to the devastation to the Virgin Islands caused by hurricanes Irma ad Maria, congregations from the Diocese of Alabama have assisted with physical rebuilding through volunteer teams as well as by providing clergy support to give much-needed respite to VI clergy. The diocese has also partnered with Episcopal Relief and Development to provide financial support for long-term recovery, particularly through a mini-grant program which seeks to work with congregations to transform the communities they serve.
Passage of the resolution was preceded by a hearing at which the Bishop of the Virgin Islands, Bishop Ambrose Gumbs, and a member of the Companion Relationship Committee, Rev. Sandra Walters Malone, spoke about their experience of the relationship. The gathering also heard from Past Chair of the Alabama Committee, Deacon Judy Quick, and her successor, Deacon Jeannie Randall. Deacon Randall and Director of Young Adults and Young People, Ms. Betsy Fetner, paid a visit to the Virgin Islands in January to meet with stakeholders.
In 2015 several youth from the Virgin Islands travelled to Camp McDowell for Senior Camp and this was followed by a Co-Diocesan Camp on the island of Tortola the following year. Last year, one youth from the Virgin Islands served at Sawyerville Camp in Alabama, a four-session, month-long experience for underprivileged youth. Plans are underway for several youth to attend Camp McDowell this year, and it is hoped that the Virgin Islands will be able to host an event next year.
In response to the devastation to the Virgin Islands caused by hurricanes Irma ad Maria, congregations from the Diocese of Alabama have assisted with physical rebuilding through volunteer teams as well as by providing clergy support to give much-needed respite to VI clergy. The diocese has also partnered with Episcopal Relief and Development to provide financial support for long-term recovery, particularly through a mini-grant program which seeks to work with congregations to transform the communities they serve.
Passage of the resolution was preceded by a hearing at which the Bishop of the Virgin Islands, Bishop Ambrose Gumbs, and a member of the Companion Relationship Committee, Rev. Sandra Walters Malone, spoke about their experience of the relationship. The gathering also heard from Past Chair of the Alabama Committee, Deacon Judy Quick, and her successor, Deacon Jeannie Randall. Deacon Randall and Director of Young Adults and Young People, Ms. Betsy Fetner, paid a visit to the Virgin Islands in January to meet with stakeholders.