Dr. Beth Sarah Wright (at podium) describes the Ghanian-themed clothing items produced by the DIGNITY Sewing Centre
ATLANTA – An economic opportunity partnership between the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta and the Anglican Diocese of Cape Coast Ghana was announced at this year’s Annual Council.
The DIGNITY Sewing Centre is the result of collaboration between the women of Atlanta and Cape Coast to “encourage the youth in Cape Coast to experience the dignity of work,” according to Dr. Beth Sarah Wright.
The Sewing Centre is already producing African inspired clothing items with beautiful Ghanian names in the Twi language “infused with power, faith, beauty, joy and dignity,” Dr Wright said when announcing the project to more than 500 delegates gathered at The Cathedral of St. Philip.
The dioceses of Cape Coast and Atlanta have been companions in ministry since 2017. See the Diocesan News article about this year’s pilgrimage.
“Following our most recent pilgrimage to Cape Coast, our diocesan partner in Africa, their women’s ministry which included the very first three female priest in the history of Cape Coast and the women from the Diocese of Atlanta explored the celebrations and the challenges in Cape Coast,” Dr Wright said.
“We learned that lack of employment significantly impacted the lives and livelihoods of young women and men in the Diocese of Cape Coast,” she said.
Since April the transatlantic partners raised enough funds in the U.S. to purchase 10 new sewing machines and two industrial knitting machines, identified sewing instructors, and created the original designs.
The Ghanaian women chose the name DIGNITY Sewing Centre to identify the goal of the project, Dr Wright said.
“And now it is our work to support this justice enterprise. All proceeds go back to the Ghanian youth and the Diocese of Cape Coast. Please buy the clothing. Give them as gifts. Christmas is coming,” said Dr. Wright, who is the wife of Atlanta’s Episcopal Bishop Rob Wright.
“Learn some new words and stories from our partner diocese, where a rich and powerful history directly connects to this country and who we are today,” Dr. Wright said. “From our lips to our lives, let us all thrive with dignity.” she said, referring to the theme of this year’s Council.
Support the DIGNITY Sewing Centre.
