Racial Healing
Racial Healing
With its adoption of Resolution 2015-C019 in 2015, the Episcopal Church made a long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation and justice. To meet this commitment, the Episcopal Church has developed and implemented a racial reconciliation ministry, Becoming Beloved Community, which “represents not so much a set of programs as a journey, a set of interrelated commitments around which Episcopalians may organize our many efforts to respond to racial injustice and grow a community of reconcilers, justice-makers, and healers.”
The Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, presented a Missionary Vision for a Racial Justice initiative at the 171st Diocesan Council held in Waco, Texas, February 7-8, 2020. The Missionary Vision for Racial Justice initiative includes a $13 million commitment towards racial reconciliation projects and scholarships for the future training and education of people of color.
Good Shepherd began its participation in this diocesan, national and international ministry in 2019, first with a one-day study session with Dr. Catherine Meeks, Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, followed by viewings of Traces of the Trade; completion of the Sacred Ground curriculum; a visit from the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation Care; and a book study and group discussion of Waking Up White by Debby Irving, led by Dain and Constance Perry.
Good Shepherd formalized a lay-led Racial Healing ministry with the establishment of a steering committee in 2021 to offer educational resources; establish, grow, and maintain community connections and relationships; and participate in diocesan efforts so that, in the words of Good Shepherd’s mission, “In the fullness of time, all people will find joyful union with God and with one another, being fully known and fully loved.” The objective of the ministry is to provide an entry point for any in the parishioner seeking to learn more about the history of race and its impact on our relationship with God and others, both in the Church and in our community, and to prepare those who are called to engage in racial healing discussions and activities.
All are encouraged to participate in the ministry by attending events that are posted on the ministry’s calendar (See Upcoming Events link). All are welcome to attend the committee’s monthly meetings, which are held on the second Wednesday of each month. The meetings rotate between Windsor and the Hill, so check the location of each month’s meeting at the Upcoming Events link. You can also be added to our ministry group email by submitting your request here.