Episcopal Migration Ministries is teaming up with renowned iconographer Kelly Latimore to create an inaugural monthly calendar featuring depictions of refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced persons.
The 2023 calendar includes a newly commissioned triptych for EMM—titled “Build a Longer Table”—featuring the holy family and representations of individuals served by EMM throughout its 80-plus-year ministry.
Those who currently support EMM with a monthly sustaining (recurring) gift—and those who become new monthly sustaining donors for the 2023 calendar year—will receive a complimentary copy of the calendar while supplies last.
“We are delighted to partner with Kelly to share a collection of his stunning iconography,” said Sarah Shipman, EMM’s director of operations. “His rich work well reflects our Anglican theology of the ‘communion of saints’ and invites us to discern how each of us are called to be the ‘hands and feet’ of Jesus.”
The St. Louis-based Latimore has painted religious icons for more than 10 years. His works have featured prominently in recent years in Episcopal and Roman Catholic communities. His 2020 icon “Mama,” showing a Black Mary holding a crucified Black Jesus who resembles George Floyd, garnered national attention.
The calendar is not the first EMM project in which Latimore has participated. Last year he and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry held a webinar conversation that focused on the work of EMM through the lens of religious iconography.
Episcopal Migration Ministries is one of nine national agencies responsible for resettling refugees in the U.S. in partnership with the federal government. With its network of affiliates, EMM has resettled refugees from more than 24 countries, serving a diverse range of human needs. The agency also provides support to asylum seekers and continues to help Afghan arrivals through its Neighbor to Neighbor program.
During the 17-year tenure of EMM director Demetrio Alvero, who recently retired, the ministry reached a milestone of welcoming and helping more than 100,000 newcomers to the U.S. The calendar is dedicated to Alvero.