Back in March, Ola Franklin was one of about 30 ordinands who attended a consultation day in London at Church House, Westminster. The day was organised for candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds in order to give them time to share their experiences of training in a college or on a regional course, and to consider the support they need. Ola writes:
I had been invited to give a short keynote address on my experience of training on a course; I shared a few of the ups and downs about workload and generally on how positive I’m finding the experience. During the discussions it was interesting to hear about the experiences of those in residential training and to compare notes. However, the day was something of an eye-opener for me because there are students elsewhere who are not having such a good time, with comments made about feelings of isolation and lack of support.
Statistics show that candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds are a small percentage of those recommended for training, although the numbers are increasing. In 1997 there were only five candidates from minority ethnic backgrounds recommended – that’s 1.1% of the total number recommended. In 2006, (the year I was recommended) the number had risen to 24 candidates – that’s 4% of the total. Of those 24, as it happens, five of us are in the same year group on the same course!
During the afternoon, there were presentations from a newly-ordained deacon and a vicar on their experiences of parish ministry; there were a few hair-raising stories, but they haven’t put me off!
My one disappointment of the day was that the scheduled tour of Church House didn’t take place – I’d like to have seen what Lou Henderson gets up to at work!
Return to Index for the Parish of Walthamstow Magazine, July/August 2008
