When we met last July in Chapel Camp, Emmanuelites said that they would welcome learning more about resources related to repair, reconciliation, and reparations. Last week, we offered a glimpse of Diomass’s journey on the topic. We’ve begun to explore other dioceses’ postings about discussions and/or commitments to ongoing processes and approaches to restoration and healing. We are gradually learning, too, about other local churches’ processes of inquiry and action in this regard. Continue reading
We’ve Come This Far
Our Journey into Reparations
As we begin our shared journey into Reparations, we need to assess how far we have come, both individually and as a faith community. Last Fall in a historic vote, the 237 th Annual Diocesan Convention created a Reparations Fund with $11.1 million goal, “as part of our effort to address our legacy of wealth accumulated through the enslaved labor of Africans and Afro-Caribbeans on our behalf and for our use today.” More information is HERE.
We will draw on the Diocesan Tool Kit for Reparations in Community, as we explore Continue reading
Chapel Camp Devoted to Repairing the Breach
Our Chapel Camp on July 30, 2023 was devoted to a discussion of our study and thoughts about the Church’s moral obligation and opportunity to engage in reparations. This responsibility rightly involves a relational approach that includes, but also goes beyond, focusing entirely on cash payouts toward addressing ongoing economic, educational, and health inequities.
Our Rector and other parishioners gathered to share initial thoughts on how we might, during sabbatical time this fall, offer resources to broaden our understanding of the moral and spiritual dimensions of reparations. To begin, our vestry discussed Luke 19:1-10, the story of Zacchaeus.
In addition, here are two resources recommended to vestry members during our introductory conversations:
- Jarrett-Schell, Peter. Reparations: A Plan for Churches. New York: Church Publishing, 2023. = How churches might engage in discerning their role in repairing the breach.
- Kwon, Duke L., et al. Reparations: A Christian Call for Repentance and Repair. Brazos Press, a division of Baker Publishing Group, 2021. = How people of faith might learn more about the history, moral necessity, and urgency of reparations.
We will continue this column as our exploration continues and will include other voices from our congregation.
–Mary Beth Clack, Cindy Coldren, Pat Krol
Published in This Week @Emmanuel Church August 30–September 5 & September 6-13, 2023.