Ray Suarez Speaks on Future of Episcopal Church

Journalist and author Ray Suarez addresses, "Speaking to the New American Mix: Shifting Demographics and the Episcopal Church."

Suarez, a prominent journalist, author and lifelong Episcopalian, will speak at the Spring Plenary Meeting of the Southwark Deanery.

He will discuss a rapidly approaching tipping point--the year 2044 when demographers predict that a majority of Americans will be members of minority groups--and what it means for the church.

"It's going to have a tremendous bearing on the future of The Episcopal Church," says Suarez. "What kind of church do we want to be? If we, as a church, are successful in speaking to that new American mix, we'll be one kind of church. If not, we'll be on life support by the end of the 21st century."

Ray Suarez has been living in Fishtown for the year. He will also be able to give Southwark his perspective on our city and particular neighborhoods.

A critically acclaimed author, Suarez's books include "The Old Neighborhood: What We Lost in the Great Suburban Migration 1966-1999;"" The Holy Vote: The Politics of Faith in America;" and a companion volume to the documentary series for PBS, "Latino Americans: The 500-Year Legacy That Shaped a Nation."

Ray Suarez's presentation begins promptly at 7 p.m.