"The history of the Episcopal Church is a history of American race relations. From the development of chattel slavery in colonial Anglican Virginia to the divided Confederate and U.S. Episcopal Churches in the Civil War to the church's deep struggles over desegregation, this church has had to deal with the realities of race and racism. Remembering this tangled and difficult past is a necessary prelude towards realizing God's dream of justice and reconciliation within our church and for our nation."
- The Rev. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, PhD, Duncalf-Villavaso Professor of Church History and Dean of Community Life
Diocese of Texas Missionary Vision for Racial Justice
At the 171st Diocesan Council, Diocesan Bishop C. Andrew Doyle announced that the Diocese would commit $13 million towards scholarships and projects aiming to effect racial healing. Seminary of the Southwest $5.5 million of the committed amount to continue and expand our work of racial healing already in progress. This is one of the many steps that will need to be taken on our path towards justice and reconciliation.
On Saturday, August 10, 2019, members of the Seminary of the Southwest community participated in the annual Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage. Seminary of the Southwest faculty, students, and alumni are picture here gathered on the steps of the Lowndes County Courthouse in Hayneville, Alabama.
Photo Credit: The Rev. Daniel Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, PhD, Duncalf-Villavaso Professor of Church History
Resources for Racial Reconciliation and Justice from The Episcopal Church
"Members of the Presiding Bishop’s staff have curated this list of resources for racial justice and reconciliation. This is by no means exhaustive; however, we are aware that many leaders are hoping to deepen their learning, and these resources should help you to move in the right direction."
Resources for Racial Reconciliation and Justice. The Episcopal Church. n.d. Web. 27 Oct 2019.
Resolution C019 in 2015 called the Episcopal Church to face our sin of racism and work within our congregations to promote racial reconciliation. The Episcopal Church has provided numerous resources for this journey which can be found at the link below.
Racial Reconciliation. The Episcopal Church. n.d. Web. 28 Sep. 2019.
Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North
"The Episcopal Church, through its Executive Council’s Anti-Racism Committee, has called for dioceses and congregations to view our PBS documentary, “Traces of the Trade: A Story from the Deep North,” and to participate in facilitated conversations about the film."
"At General Convention this summer, our church made the strongest commitment in a generation to racial justice and reconciliation... Today, we write to welcome sisters and brothers in both Houses and ultimately all Episcopalians to join us in this ministry. The pain of racial injustice and division has wracked our church and the many communities where we both proclaim and embody the gospel of Jesus Christ. Our collective prayer and action can begin to heal what is broken and nurture the Beloved Community that is God’s dream for all."
Resolution B004: "Dismantling Racism and Racial Healing, Justice, and Reconciliation
"Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That this 79th General Convention affirms that we condemn racism in all its forms, institutional, systemic, and personal, and we encourage all task forces, commissions, committees, parishes, centers and individuals in The Episcopal Church involved in the work of dismantling racism and seeking to foster racial healing, justice, and reconciliation to expand the language used to designate or describe that work..."
Full text: Resolution B004
- One Human Race Austin. n.d. Web. 23 Feb 2020.
The One Human Race Initiative leads workshops appropriate for congregations in the Austin area to create a safe space for exploring racism and white supremacy.
Verna Dozier was a lay theologian and educator in the Episcopal Church. Having famously stated that she did not want to be demoted to bishop from lay minister, she was an advocate for the authority and ministry of the laity. Verna helped shape the role of the laity and biblical education in the Episcopal Church.
Commencement Sermon by Verna J. Dozier. Seminary of the Southwest. 20 May 1997.