churches to welcome and integrate immigrants , especially from West Africa , has run for some 20 years ; many church members of African heritage are now 2nd or 3rd generation . Churches are working hard to offer help and support to the thousands of economic migrants and refugees who arrive in Italy every year . The project ‘ Mediterranean Hope ’ is at the centre of this work , but there are plenty of local initiatives .
Despite the dark cloud cast by the pandemic , our Italian friends remain resolute to maintain their distinctive ministry alive and to offer hope to our world in difficult times .
This year two ministers , one Presbyteral and one Diaconal , were ordained during the opening service of
Gabriele Bertin and Monica Natali with the preacher at the Synod opening , Winfrid Pfannkuche , pastor of via XX Settembre church in Rome .
Synod : Gabriele Bertin and Monica Natali . They are now working , Gabriele as a pastor in Apulia and Monica in Palermo , in charge of La Noce church , while her husband Bruno Gabrielli , is the pastor of via Spezio church .
Tim Macquiban spoke online about the family of the great benefactor of the Waldensians , Charles Beckwith : read the next issue !
Giovanni Bernardini has spent two months in Edinburgh and writes :
I had the great opportunity to assist Rev . Steven Manders in his work at Morningside Church . In particular I learned about pastoral visits in different contexts ( at home , in the nursing home , etc .), and the importance of ‘ active listening ’ and non-verbal language .
I also met ministers of various congregations . Together we addressed the issues of ‘ digital churches ’ and the importance of ‘ being a congregation ’ in the difficult time of pandemic and how pastoral care had to adapt through new communication tools .
I am grateful to all the people who made this project possible and particularly to Morningside and the Rev . Manders who gave me time , listening and patience .
FINALLY , MAY I WISH YOU ALL A JOYFUL , PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS Erica Scroppo Newbury , Editor
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