The Rev. Canon Joseph Tucker signs his certificate of naturalization.
Presented with certificate.
Taking the oath of citizenship.
Becoming U.S. Citizens: The Rev. Canon Joseph and Maria Tucker
by the Rev. Elizabeth Rust Masterson, Rector, St. Nicholas' Episcopal Church
An unforgettable moment on an unforgettable day!
On January 28, 2009, the Rev. Canon Joseph and Maria Tucker rode to Philadelphia through the fog and freezing rain so Joseph could take the oath to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. Maria has also passed the interview and test for citizenship, but her date to take the oath had not been scheduled yet.
Canon Joseph and Maria, Volunteers in Mission with The Episcopal Church, immigrated to Delaware from Sierra Leone, Africa. They fled a civil war in fear of their lives, but in recent years they have returned to Sierra Leone as missionaries. Various churches throughout the diocese, as well as individual Episcopalians, have supported their work. Canon Joseph also serves as a supply priest. Both he and Maria readily share their love of God and their faith in God’s goodness.
They eagerly await the date of Maria’s naturalization, so both can obtain their U.S. passports and receive approval from The Episcopal Church for another mission trip. Christians in Sierra Leone are working hard to rebuild their former country. Canon Joseph and Maria have been part of that effort and hope to continue to do mission work there. The Diocese has created the Tucker Fund to which churches and individuals can contribute. In this small way we can become part of the global mission work of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Contact the Bishop's Office if you would like to contribute.