Janine Tinsley-Roe has been appointed Missioner for Native American Ministries for the Episcopal Church and will begin her work at the Episcopal Church Center on June 17, 2004.
Tinsley-Roe is presently Administrative Assistant for Volunteers and Pastoral Care services at Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center in Patchogue, New York. She founded the Shinnecock-Sewanaka Society, a grassroots community development organization in Bellport, Long Island, that advocates for the rights of members of the Shinnecock tribe living off the reservation. For several years she has served as its executive director.
She comes to her new position with wide experience in public relations and successful accomplishments in domestic and international community development initiatives. She has recognized abilities in community building and has created opportunities for people from different cultures to meet and work together. She is completing a degree in organizational management at St. Joseph's College in Suffolk County, New York. Tinsley-Roe is a volunteer fire fighter and with her family attends Christ Episcopal Church in Bellport, Long Island.
Members of the search committee included Bishop Carol Gallagher (Cherokee), The Rev. Donald Fox (Lakota), Anna Frank (Athabascan), and Rosella Jim (Navaho). Staff persons were Bishop Arthur Williams, The Rev. Carmen Guerrero and Vivian Harrison
Frank Oberle, chair of the Episcopal Council for Indigenous Ministries, commented, "This position has been vacant for almost two years and I am pleased that it is now filled. I welcome Janine and look forward to working with her."
The Rev. Canon Ginny Doctor, chair of the Indigenous Theological Training Institute, said, "I met Janine when I was on the national Church staff in 1998. We have kept in touch since that time. She is an articulate and recognized leader in her tribe. I believe she has discerned a call from God to serve all the tribes in the Episcopal Church."
The Rt. Rev. Carol Gallagher, chair-elect of the Episcopal Council on Indigenous Ministries, said, "It means so much to Native people in the Episcopal Church to have someone who will be a resource and support for the many ministries that take place across Indian country. Janine brings a wealth of talent, skill, sensitivity and enthusiasm to this work of increasing our ministries together. She has a proven commitment to Native issues and is highly respected by everyone with whom she has worked."
