We are blessed to have a number of clergy and licensed lay ministers from a minority ethnic heritage in the diocese, and we aim to be welcoming and inclusive. Widening access to vocations from those of minority ethnic backgrounds is a priority, and vocations events are being reshaped to facilitate this.
Revd Christian Saguyan is the UK Minority Ethnic Vocations Champion in the Diocese of Bristol.
Christian works with the Adviser for Vocations and Ordinands and others to encourage the increase and development of vocations within ordained and licensed ministries for people of UK Minority Ethnic heritage across the diocese. Christian is also assistant curate at the Woodbridge Group of Churches in North Wiltshire. He was born in the Philippines and moved to London in his early teenage years, and prior to training for ordination was an assistant pastor at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, where he became a member of the Nazareth Community - a community of diverse group centred on the contemplative life and outreach. Christian connects with other dioceses, UKME organisations, and the national church, providing suppport on UK Minority Ethnic Vocations.
A number of clergy in the diocese from a minority ethnic background meet regularly for mutual encouragement and support, and some are available as mentors to those in the discernment process. If you would like to connect with any of them - even just for a chat - please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Connect with the group Contact the Adviser for Vocations and Ordinands