Queens is the most multi-cultural and multi-ethnic of the boroughs in New York. More than one hundred languages or dialects are spoken in Queens. This is reflected in our thirty-two Episcopal congregations and the ministry in our Archdeaconry. In addition to our "Anglo" brothers and sisters, Queens does have a very large Asian population, as well as a large Hispanic community, a huge Caribbean presence and an ever increasing membership from the continent of Africa. We find this diversity a great blessing and do try to celebrate it as a church. Potluck suppers in our parishes are always exciting. Just as exiting are such observances as Harvest. Our Archdeacon has been involved in multi-cultural ministry for the last seven years, having assisted his predecessor, Archdeacon Roper Shamhart, in this ministry.

The clergy of the Archdeaconry also reflect the multi-ethnic nature of our borough. We do have American born priests. We also have many Caribbean born priests as well as Asian and Hispanic. The priest who ministers to our Nigerian community comes in from Newark, New Jersey, but there are several Haitian born priests available to celebrate mass in Creole. The newest ministry in Queens is a ministry to Filipinos who are fortunate enough to have a Filipino born priest residing here in Queens.

This year, two parishes in Queens will be celebrating their Tercentenary. St. George's, Flushing, and Grace Church, Jamaica. While we rejoice with them, we also give thanks for all past benefactors and parishioners.

Here in Queens we can look to the future with confidence. Queens is a port of entry into the United States since there are two major airports here. As a result new immigrants are always arriving and settling here. There continues to be potential for evangelism and new ministry. It is for us to continue to accept the challenge to make disciples of all nations.

The Venerable Bernard O. D. Young, Archdeacon
The Very Rev. Leopold Baynes, Dean of Hellgate Deanery
The Very Rev. Mastene Nisbett, Dean of the Jamaica Deanery
The Very Rev. Tracey Williams, Dean of Forest Park