The vicar of the Good Shepherd is the Rev. David Sutcliffe, who moved to the mission from Menomonee Falls, Wis., a year ago, with his wife and three of their five children. The next Sunday, it may be a hundred different people. When people are invited for healing, the laying on of hands, there may be two, there may be 30. We've had 60 baptisms this year, kids and teens. His sermons are in English, translated into Navajo.
Ceremonial practices are strong in Navajo spirituality.
The two traditions are unique and separate. We have to figure out the essence of the faith. Needs are great in the community, the Navajo reservation. There are 250,000 people on the reservation, and only 500 businesses, including McDonald's. At Window Rock jail last holiday season, the staff was off and prisoners were slated to dine on peanut butter sandwiches.