The Diocesan Reparations Task Force continues to meet monthly to learn more about reparations and discern processes for sharing funds. The past two meetings of the task force have involved relationship building among committee members, Biblical and historical background on reparations and societal anti-black racism practices, as well as discussion of Scripture relating to slavery and reparations.
Like the journey to reparations in our country, there are many steps along the path to forming a way to reparations in our diocese. In September of 2020, our diocese passed a resolution creating a task force to oversee a $1 million endowment seed fund for reparations. There are many roads the journey can take on determining a process for reparations that meets our diocesan, faith and spiritual priorities.
There can be no love without justice and no justice without some form of repairing an injustice. As we continue to move into a deeper understanding of God’s mandate to proclaim “the message of reconciliation to which God has called us as ambassadors for Christ,” (II Corinthians 5:18-20) much like in our Baptismal Covenant, we must understand this message deeply so that we can live it fully.
Please keep the task force in your prayers as they do the hard work of developing a plan for reparations.
The Rev. Nancy Hennessy and Mr. Stephen Gibson
Co-chairs, Diocesan Reparations Task Force
Stories from our Truth and Reconciliation blog
Black History Month – Reflections from our TRC
During Black History month, our Diocesan Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) members are reflecting on a word each day that is relevant to the struggle for civil rights in our Country. The reflections are being posted on the TRC Facebook page. Below are the posts from this first week in Black History Month. You are invited to join us in meditating on how we can pull a little harder on that arc of history as we bend it toward justice. Follow the Diocesan Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Facebook page.
2024 Reparations Grants cycle to open January 15
The Diocese of Maryland Reparations Committee is pleased to announce that grant applications for the third round of awards from the Diocesan Reparations Fund will open on Monday, January 15. These grants are open to any organization within the geographical region of the Diocese of Maryland that has a proven history of doing the work of restoring African American and Black communities, as well as to startups whose mission and goals are the same.
Honor St. Nicholas’ Legacy of Generosity
Advent is a time of reflection, anticipation, and expectation. In our Christian tradition, today is the Feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop of Myra. As we honor St. Nicholas’ legacy of generosity, we invite you to join us in supporting the ministries of our Bishops’ Annual Ministries Appeal. Your contributions make possible our Community of Love and offer hope in tangible ways to those in need. When you contribute to the appeal, you are directly participating in our shared ministries and transforming lives.
A Statement from our bishops on the violence in the Holy Land
we urge you to reach out to neighbors who have family and friends in Israel and Palestine. We are also committed to reaching out and strengthening our interfaith relationships, both here in Maryland and beyond. Ask after people your neighbors care about, offer to pray for them by name, and listen compassionately to their concerns—all of these are things that good and faithful friends do.
Celebration abounds at Sutton Scholars summer program closing ceremony
On a sunny morning in Baltimore, the auditorium of Mercy High School buzzed with anticipation. The air was filled with energy as students, parents, supporters, and donors to the program gathered for the closing ceremony of the Sutton Scholars® High School Enrichment Program’s 2023 summer session. The theme, “Building a Better Baltimore,” was tangible in the guests, Scholars, faculty and staff.
Why Juneteenth Matters
By the Rev. Pan Conrad — Juneteenth teaches us the importance of bringing good news to all and then standing beside those who hear the Gospel to make sure that Good News becomes Good Life for all who hear it.
Episcopal Diocese of Maryland awards $230,000 in second round of reparations grants funding
The Reparations Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is thrilled to announce the second year of funding for their reparations grant process. Five outstanding organizations have been selected to receive a total of $230,000 in grants. These organizations have demonstrated exceptional dedication and effectiveness in restoring and uplifting Black communities within the diocese’s geographical area.
A Message from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Regarding the Shooting of Ralph Yarl
Everyone in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is affected by the senseless shooting of Ralph Yarl in Kansas City, MO on April 13.
Sewing for Justice
Janet Waters, long-time former president of the African American Quilters of Baltimore (AAQB) and a member of St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church, where the group meets, cannot quilt anymore because of arthritis in her hands. Nevertheless, she considers being a quilter part of her identity. “Whenever I sit down and do quilting or any kind of sewing, I feel this sense of women from the past – from the 1600s, 1700s, 1800s, 1900s — being with me in the room,” Walters says.
Bishop Sutton addresses the 228th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia
The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton addresses the 228th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of VirginiaThe Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, Bishop of Maryland, addressed the 238th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and the 228th Convention of the...