Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota IX Bishop search
The Department of Indian Work
The Department of Indian Work (DIW) is a ministry that was established within the Dakota (Sioux) and Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) communities since before the Diocese was established in 1857. There are currently twelve mission congregations and two specialized ministries serving both on tribal lands and within the urban centers (Minneapolis/St Paul, Duluth) in the State of Minnesota.
The clergy leadership of DIW consists of nine priests and three local permanent deacons who help implement the vision of American Indian Ministries in the diocese. Five of the priests are salaried and seminary-trained, and the remaining four have been raised up from within their own communities. There are also four retired priests who help out on a regular basis. DIW has a part-time director who divides time between that work and being in charge of a congregation.
It has been stated and is a well-known fact that the Diocese of Minnesota’s mission and ministry with the Tribal Nations runs deep within its historical core. This mission and ministry is part and parcel of diocesan identity. It is part of the diocesan DNA.
The Diocese of Minnesota is the only diocese in The Episcopal Church that has a substantial annual budget that is coupled with endowments for this ministry. It receive no extra funding from The Episcopal Church. This diocese is possibly the leader in American Indian Ministry today.
