Racial Reconciliation
As the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement, we dream and work to foster Beloved Communities where all people may experience dignity and abundant life and see themselves and others as beloved children of God.
All Saints’ of Austin recently commenced a journey of reconciliation of race, grounded in the belief that we are all created in God’s image and that our differences are to be valued and celebrated. For the past few months, a committee of parishioners has researched the history of the country, the state, community, the church and explored how race and injustice are woven into these. This is a path of discovery looking into where we have been, where we are now and ultimately in the words of Bishop Curry, “where we can and must by God’s grace, go”.
We seek to offer safe and trusting discussions to examine this history and its impact and move towards a loving, caring, respectful reconciliation that furthers education, self-awareness, and transformation. Imagine the possibilities, the creativity and the new horizons that occur in such a place.
The committee is looking for educational opportunities, open discussions, building trust and transparency to form the basis to embrace diversity, find confidence in sharing and experience real love.
This is not a journey that we take on our own, but is shared both locally and nationally in the Episcopal Church. We are on this journey together and we hope that you will join us.
Contact us: Racial Reconciliation Email
Spring 2023 Sacred Ground
The series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigeneous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day—all while grounded in our call to faith, hope, and love.
Sundays, 2:00-4:00 pm via zoom. February 5 - May 14, plus a Saturday retreat the afternoon of June 3. No meetings for Spring Break or Easter.
- One session on zoom devoted to building the trust among participants that is important for sustaining discussions on difficult topics, conducted in a safe, loving Christian environment, in which everyone will have opportunities to share personal experiences about racial issues they may have experienced;
- Ten sessions on zoom examining the history and consequences of the dominance of Americans of European descent during the discovery, settlement, and development of the U. S., even up to the present time. A policy of avoiding present-day U. S. politics in group discussions has proven to be sound. Multiple topics will be discussed, by groups of two, four, or the entire group, depending on the subjects to be addressed.
- An afternoon retreat in person or on zoom identifying the journey after Sacred Ground.
Resources:
St David’s Racial Justice ministry: https://www.stdave.org/category/racial-justice/
Episcopal Diocese of Texas Racial Justice: https://www.edotracialjustice.org/
Episcopal Church Racial Reconciliation: https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/racial-reconciliation/
One Human Race Austin - One Human Race Austin
Jonathan Myrick Daniels’ biography http://justus.anglican.org/res
Bailey Lecture series 2021
Saturday - Session 1
Saturday Second Session
Racial Reconciliation Timeline
Becoming Beloved Community is the Episcopal Church's long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. Key to that initiative is Telling the Truth: Who are we? What things have we done and left undone regarding racial justice and healing?
Union of Black Episcopalians
All Saints Episcopal Church of Austin has joined the Union of Black Episcopalians organization Myra McDaniel Chapter that is hosted with St James Episcopal Church in Austin. Though All Saints has joined as a church, we encourage your participation as individuals as well. Dues for individuals are $50 per year. As a member, you can participate in events that support this organizati…
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