The [Mis]concept[ion] of Race
Two-Minute read. Learning transforms because it informs. February is Black History Month, celebrate in part by reading about the [Mis]concept[ion] of race, and open the way for conversation.
Racial Reconciliation
Diversity and Reconciliation Commission’s third online series of book study sessions
Two-minute read. Sponsored by The Diocese of West Missouri’s Diversity and Reconciliation Commission, The Beloved Community’s Third Online Book Study, ‘Uncomfortable Conversation with a Black Man’ by Emmanuel Acho.
The Diversity and Reconciliation Commission to hold a second series of book study sessions online
Two-minute read. Sponsored by The Diocese of West Missouri’s Diversity and Reconciliation Commission, The Beloved Community’s Second Book Study, God of the Oppressed by James H Cone, explores this landmark text in the development of Black Theology.
Episcopal Church House of Bishops July 2020: A Word on Protest and Federal Policing
Four-minute read. The House of Bishops met virtually July 28-29, 2020. The following statement was adopted on July 29. While the situation on the ground in Portland has changed, the bishops believe it is important to share their statement about protest and policing.
Note: the following information is presented in English and Spanish
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
You Are In Good Company
Two-minute read. If you find being a follower of Christ in today’s world hard – you are in good company. This is not new, people have been facing challenges like those we face today since the beginning of Christianity.
Race and Diversity Resources for Adult Christian Formation
One-minute read. As Christians affirm the dignity of every human being; that all are created in the image of God and all are beloved. Here are some resources that can be used to spark conversation and understanding on this complex subject.
Racial reconciliation program from The Episcopal Church open to all
Two-minute read. July 28-30, 3-5 p.m. CDT, Online gathering.
Racial justice and healing leaders and practitioners across The Episcopal Church will gather to build community, craft strategy and equip each other for action during a series of “Becoming Beloved Community NOW” online gatherings.
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
Anti-racism covenant launched
Three-minute read.Over the past month, 14 bishops of The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, including our bishop, the Rt. Rev. Martin S. Field, have worked together to produce an anti-racism covenant.
Pray on Troost
Two-minute read. On the evening of Juneteenth, Friday, June 19, Troost Avenue, Kansas City, became a focal point of unity when people of different faiths and races joined together in an hour-long event ‘Pray on Troost.’ Together they formed an estimated 10-mile long, socially distanced, prayer chain.
Becoming Anti-Racist
One-Minute read. If you have also found yourself at an intersection – of faith and a commitment to becoming anti-racist – these past few weeks, this chart may inspire you to explore, grow and deepen that very personal journey.
Beloved Community “Rapid-Response” Grants available
Three-minute read The Presiding Officers’ Advisory Group on Beloved Community Implementation is pleased to announce the availability of grants to address the racial disparities laid bare by the coronavirus pandemic and for groups responding to racist violence and policing reform.
Aviso: La siguiente información se presenta en inglés y en español
Juneteenth — liturgy and history
Two-minute read. In 2015, the 126th Diocesan Convention passed a resolution regarding the response of the Episcopal churches in West Missouri to the ongoing sin of Racism. One of the provisions was the use the service closest to “Juneteenth” as an opportunity to remind ourselves of the constant vigilance needed to address racism.
The Diversity and Reconciliation Commission to hold book study sessions online
Two-minute read. The Diversity and Reconciliation Commission has had to postpone its workshops due to COVID-19. To continue our work until we are able to come meet together in person, you are invited to join with us in online book study sessions.
Be the change you wish to see in the world
One-minute read. If you’ve been spending the last week wondering how to be a positive force working towards a world where pain and suffering isn’t caused by a fellow human there are answers.
A statement from the Diversity and Reconciliation Commission
one-minute read. Following a meeting held on June 10, 2020, West Missouri’s Diversity and Reconciliation Commission issued a statement, which is reproduced here.
Photo Gallery – Prayer for Racial Justice
19 Pictures. Photo gallery of the June 3, Prayer for Racial Justice event held at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City, Missouri.
Prayer for Racial Justice at St. Augustine’s
40-minute video, four-minute read. The people of the Episcopal and ELCA Lutheran churches of the Kansas City Metro area gathered together on Wednesday, June 3, 2020, in prayer for racial justice held in the grounds of at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Kansas City. An estimated 150-200 people attended the event in person. The proceedings were also livestreamed on Facebook.
Messages of Solidarity
Five-minute read. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has shared with his fellow bishops two messages of solidarity he received following his statement on President Donald Trump’s use of a church building and the Holy Bible.
Boiling Point
Six-minute read. “We are acting as though God doesn’t see or care about the way we treat one another, belittle one another, or degrade one another.”
Presiding Bishop Curry’s Word to the Church: When the Cameras are Gone, We Will Still Be Here
Four-minute read. A word to the Church from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry: “Our long-term commitment to racial justice and reconciliation is embedded in our identity as baptized followers of Jesus. We will still be doing it when the news cameras are long gone.”
