April 7, 2005

Anglican women, visiting New York in March for the 49th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW), gave a series of interviews with Episcopal News Service, bringing news from their provinces and speaking about their commitment to issues of justice, peace and gender equity. Video streams of these interviews can be found online at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_59911_ENG_HTM.htm.

Esperanza Beleo: Province of the Philippines

Esperanza Beleo is Lector of St. Andrew's Seminary and finance office of Horeb House, Inc, in the Philippines. Because of her faith she is committed to her work in both the seminary and her parish. Women's issues that Beleo feels are especially important include violence against women and poverty. She also believes that informing and educating children is an important and effective way of improving the world.

Bellina Mangena: Diocese of Natal, Southern Africa

Bellina Mangena is a priest in the Diocese of Natal, Church of the Province of Southern Africa. The most vital part of her ministry is being a source of hope for her parishioners. She believes that women's issues must take into account the preservation and sustenance of life and that God has a purpose for everybody.

Interviews with Amelia Ward, Episcopal Church of Liberia, and Priscilla Julie, Diocese of Seychelles in the Province of the Indian Ocean, are also available online at: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/3577_59911_ENG_HTM.htm.

Episcopal News Service