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First Priest from Mainland China in Los Angeles Ordained in Episcopal Church

The Rev. Hui Liang Ni of St. Edmund's Gives First Blessing

The Rev. Hui Liang "Thomas" Ni, 45, first priest from mainland China to serve Los Angeles in the Episcopal Diocese, was ordained by Bishop J. Jon Bruno at St. John's Cathedral on Saturday, January 12.

Ni was one of nine candidates ordained. Others were Bonnie Patricia Brandon, Jason Lynn Cox, Giovan Venable King, Lester Vivian Mackenzie, David Stuart Maurer, Karen Diane Maurer, Daniel Ross Morrow, and Ada Yuk-Ying Nagata. In addition, Ni offered a customary First Blessing on Sunday to parishioners who attended services at St. Edmund's Episcopal Church in San Marino of which Ni is the curate.

In the past few decades, the Chinese population in California has grown rapidly, and more people from mainland China are living and working in Los Angeles. "It is a great opportunity and responsibility for me to build a bridge between the Episcopal Church and Chinese community, to bring Christ's love and Good News to the Chinese, to serve the needs of the surrounding Chinese community, and to welcome them into the Episcopal Church," said Ni, adding his certainty that the Chinese community will rejoice in his ordination. "They will be proud that one of their fellow people is an Episcopal priest and feel Christ's inclusive love in the Episcopal Church."

In response to Ni's ordination, The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara, National Missioner for Asiamerica Ministries and Director of Ethnic Congregational Development of the Episcopal Church in New York, said this ordination is significant because "it will continue to make our relationship with the China Christian Council even closer. Chinese from mainland China are some of the new and emerging immigrant groups in the United States and especially in the West Coast and we are happy that we are able to raise clergy from that community."

Symbolizing the gift of wisdom and hopes for blessing, joy and happiness, the ordination began with a lion procession from the San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association. After the laying of the hands on the ordinands by Bishop Bruno and clergy, they were vested according to the order of priests. At that time, Ni was presented with his stole and chasuble. Designed by WATTS and Co. in London, England, Ni's chasuble is made of red Durbar dupion silk, with orphreys in antique gold Durbar dupion silk, edged with black cord, lined with jade green Durbar dupion silk, with an embroidered Chinese character for the word "love" on the front. A stole to match is trimmed with tassels.

Born in Shanghai, China, Ni's formative years in Christianity are credited to his grandmother and aunts who were Christians during China's Cultural Revolution when religious activities were forbidden, according to Ni. By the time he was eleven years old, Ni had seen people sacrifice everything for the belief in Christ.

"These faithful believers planted a seed deep in my heart, inspiring me to follow their example and devote my life to Christ and His Church," said Ni. "However, I did not clearly realize this until later when I was in England." Worshiping in China after churches were reopened in Shanghai, then later in London, England, Ni was baptized when he was a lecturer at a university. "After I came to the United States, the door for me to devote my life to the church opened and the Episcopal Church welcomed me and later encouraged me to go through the process of ordination."

His response to God's calling was due to "the fruit of the seed many saints planted in my life that enabled me to become a priest today." Ni has begun to formulate ministries that integrate the Chinese community.

"St. Edmund's is pleased to offer one of the few Mandarin language worship services in the Episcopal Church. We believe this will fill a real need in the San Gabriel Valley, and indeed, many of our Mandarin speakers drive from other areas in greater Los Angeles in order to worship in their native language," said The Rev. George F. Woodward III, rector of St. Edmund's.

Striving for inclusiveness, balance and compassion, Ni provides a place for Chinese parishioners to fulfill personal spirituality while blending social responsibility and awareness for not only the Chinese community, but nearby communities. He offers a Mandarin service, a bible study, and an English conversation class in addition to the local charities and international efforts that St. Edmund's encourages its parishioners to participate in.

"We offer the Chinese community tolerance, inclusiveness of many lifestyles, language and viewpoints, along with the spiritual benefit," said Ni of the St. Edmund's community. Ni's inspiration to do God's work includes spreading God's love, an endless pursuit after truth, and a heartfelt sympathy for human suffering.

"The Reverend Hui Liang Ni is an exceptional individual and has developed an impressive ministry to both English and Mandarin speakers, bridging cultures and serving with distinction," said Woodward.

With Ni nurturing the Chinese community at St. Edmund's Episcopal Church, Chinese parishioners will continue to find spiritual fulfillment while preserving the Chinese culture.