Current Scope Of Ministry
The majority of the indigenous people of Labrador are Inuit. A smaller native group, the Innu, came from the Labrador interior to fish the coastal waters during the summer. A third group is the descendants of European settlers who intermarried with the Inuit. They are commonly known as settlers. One final group are those who come to Labrador for employment, primarily from Newfoundland.
The total population of Northern Coastal Labrador is approximately 2,500 individuals, living in five coastal villages. Of these, over 2,000 claim a Moravian heritage. Other churches in Labrador are the Roman Catholic, Anglican, United Church of Canada, Salvation Army, and Pentecostal. Happy Valley/Goose Bay is the largest community.
Leadership
Sarah Jensen leads the provincial board of the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Church is governed by a provincial conference that meets biannually. Chapel Servants provide local congregational leadership.
Role of the Board of World Mission
The Board of World Mission has been in affiliation with the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador since 1980 and is currently working closely with the Labrador Church to facilitate the development and training of native leadership for ministry. The Board of World Mission provides financial support for the administration and programs of the Moravian Church in Newfoundland and Labrador, though the MCNL, is taking on more financial responsibility for herself.
