Each summer, those preparing for ordination in the Diocese of South Dakota gather for five days of seminary-level study. This year’s course was held at Thunderhead Episcopal Center, 6,400 feet high in the Black Hills.

The group included 38 priests, deacons and lay people from around the diocese, plus two visitors from Tennessee: Dr. Rebecca Wright from Sewanee and the Rev. Alex Barron Jr.

Two related courses were offered: The Enculturation of Liturgy led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Brokenleg, and Lakota Language Studies led by Albert White Hat. Both focused on the ways in which language and culture are woven together.

When missionaries came to South Dakota they often required the Lakota to surrender both their language and their culture before they could be baptized.

The Episcopal Church is encouraging the rebirth of both native language and culture among the Lakota, who now make up over half of the people in the Diocese of South Dakota.

All of the worship experiences during the week incorporated one or more traditional Lakota rites such as the burning of sage, the Sacred Circle, the Pipe Ceremony and the eagle feather, the Four Winds Prayer and Lakota hymns.

Language studies helped participants understand the value of family connections to the Lakota.

Attendees also learned how the language has been debased by the Lakota people’s huge problems with alcoholism and unemployment. For example, ancient and noble words are being used as slang to mean getting drunk or having a hangover.

I brought back a complete set of tapes of the courses for anyone who would like to share my experience. I highly recommend the School of Theology for those who want to increase personal faith and grow in knowledge of our brothers and sisters in South Dakota. I can be reached at Church of the Ascension, 865-588-0589.