All posts and information relating to the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission
On Monday, June 19, the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission of The Diocese of West Missouri invites anyone able to embark upon a pilgrimage to Park Central Square, Springfield, Missouri, the site of the April 1906 lynching of three African American men, Horace Duncan, Fred Coker, and William Allen.
One-minute read. The Union of Black Episcopalians chapter in The Diocese of West Missouri is saddened and outraged by the shooting of Ralph Yarl. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones, and stand in solidarity with the community that has been left heartbroken by this senseless act of violence.
One-minute read. We have two upcoming events that clergy with cures Bishop’s Wardens and other church leaders can share with their staff and volunteer leaders.
Five-minute video. Watch the fourth and final video in the 2023 series recognizing key African American figures in the Episcopal Church and beyond. Michael Curry is the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, the first African American to hold the position. As Presiding Bishop, Curry has been a prominent voice on social justice issues, and has advocated for marriage equality and immigration reform.
Five-minute video. This is the third in the 2023 series of videos recognizing key African American figures in the Episcopal Church and beyond. Henry Thacker (Harry) Burleigh (December 2, 1866 – September 12, 1949) is a renowned American composer, baritone singer and was a life-long Episcopalian. He is known for his arrangements of the spirituals of enslaved African Americans, which he collected and transcribed during his travels throughout the South. his music has had a lasting impact on African American music.
Seven-minute video. This is the second in the 2023 series of videos recognizing key African American figures in the Episcopal Church and beyond. Colin Powell (April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021), was a lifelong Episcopalian and an esteemed public servant who has had a lasting impact on global affairs.
Three-minute read, 110-minute video. Photographs and video of the 2023 celebration of the Blessed Absalom Jones held at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City. This year’s celebration included guest preacher the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, and St. Augustine’s liturgical dancers.
Seven-minute video. This is the first in the 2023 series of videos remembering key African American figures in the Episcopal Church and beyond. Pauli Murray (November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985), She was an architect of the civil-rights struggle — and the women’s movement. Why haven’t we heard of her?
When: Saturday, April 29, 2022, 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: St. Philip’s Episcopal Church,706 Byers Ave, Joplin, MO 64801
Who: Diocese-wide.
The purpose of this workshop is to assist the diocese in eliminating the sin of racism. This training fulfills the intent of several General Convention resolutions, which call for leaders at all levels of The Episcopal Church to receive training on the Church’s teaching about racial diversity and other forms of diversity present within the human family.
Three-minute read, 105-minute video. On Saturday, January 14, the diocese held its first annual service in celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City. The recording of the service includes a 1967 interview with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., made 11 months before he was assassinated, and an extract from a sermon he delivered at the Washington National Cathedral.
When: Sunday, February 5, 2023, at 4 p.m. Where: St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City. Join the people of St. Augustine’s in a celebration of the Blessed Absalom Jones. This year’s celebration includes guest preacher the Rt. Rev. Deon Johnson, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, and St. Augustine’s liturgical dancers.
One-minute read. Eighteen of West Missouri’s Episcopal Churches will be opening their doors on Tuesday, January 17 from 9 a.m. until noon for people to pray and reflect during the National Day of Racial Healing. Churches in Belton, Independence, Joplin, Kansas City, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Sedalia, Springfield, and St. Joseph will be taking part.
Five-minute read. Many of the hymns in the Hymnal 1982 have very interesting histories. However, hymn 599 stands out as one that embodies the history of African American people.
When: Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 4 p.m.
Where: Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, 415 W 13th St., Kansas City, MO 64105
The Rt. Rev. Kym Lucas, Bishop of Colorado will be the guest preacher and celebrant at the service to be held on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at 4 p.m., at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral.
One-minute read. Kwanzaa is an annual celebration of African-American culture from December 26 to January 1, culminating in a communal feast called Karamu, usually on the sixth day.
Four-minute read. The National Day of Racial Healing is observed each year following the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday. In 2023 many churches across the diocese are opening their doors to those who wish to pray and reflect on this day.
Please join us as we resume our book study on Undoing Racism with our next book, “Ghost Ship: Institutional Racism and the Church of England.”
One-minute read. There is still time to register for the upcoming Undoing Racism Workshop sponsored by the Diocesan Diversity & Reconciliation Commission.
When: Saturday, September 24, 2022, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: Church of the Good Shepherd, Kansas City and St. John’s Episcopal Church, Springfield.
Who: Diocese-wide.
The purpose of this workshop is to assist the diocese in eliminating the sin of racism. This training fulfills the intent of several General Convention resolutions, which call for leaders at all levels of The Episcopal Church to receive training on the Church’s teaching about racial diversity and other forms of diversity present within the human family.
Please join us as we resume our book study on Undoing Racism with our next book, “Four Hundred Souls,” a unique one-volume “community” history of African Americans.
