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By Nicole Seiferth

This year, the Trinity Grants Program embarked on a series of conversations with bishops and other leaders of the Anglican Church in Africa. The consultations helped the Grants staff create a new set of program strategies for their work in Africa — and they couldn't have done it without the help of two Trinity parishioners.

French is the official language of a number of countries in Africa. The first three Grants consultations were based on geography, but the last, held in Burundi, was particularly for francophone bishops from all over the continent.

"There were very different contexts, but a shared language," recalled Trinity Grants associate Sarah Grapentine. "It was very important to allow the bishops to speak freely and to respect their language."

Which is where Trinity parishioners Hannah Callaway and Stella Vincenot-Dash, were indispensable. Both speak French fluently, and their translation skills, Sarah said, provided a connection to Trinity in the bishops' own language while helping the Grants staff effectively facilitate the consultation.

"The trip was an extraordinary moment of celebration, fellowship, and sharing for all attendees of the conference, especially for the francophone bishops," said Stella. "For many of them, it was one of the very few occasions to be together at all."

The program strategies that came out of the consultations focus on strengthening the Anglican Communion in Africa and raising the next generation of leaders. The new funding emphases are leadership and contextual education; microfinance and vocational training; peacebuilding and reconciliation; and financial sustainability and stewardship.

Nicole Seiferth is assistant editor for website and parish publications.

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