by Rick Stanitis
Grant, O God, that your holy and life-giving Spirit may so move every human heart that barriers which divide us may crumble, suspicions disappear, and hatreds cease; that our divisions being healed, we may live in justice and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement, stewards that 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.
There is much enthusiasm and drive among the people of Province V to educate and become a Beloved Community. In the dioceses and communities, individuals are engaging in transformative work of living into our full identity as followers of Jesus Christ. In our Baptismal Covenant, we profess that we will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. I often reflect on this promise as I move forward in my ministry and my life. It is this covenant that I feel frames our journey forward in becoming a beloved community. Committees, faith sharing groups, circles of practice, communities and networks are meeting regularly across the province with the main purpose to inform and educate members of the history and harm of systematic racism in our communities and world.
I believe the most common response that I have heard from folks as they start the process of awareness of the serious long-standing racism in our society is: “I had no idea this was going on and to this extent. And/or My education was lacking or biased about racism”. That is one of the many reasons we all need to study, digest, and discuss the devastating effects of systematic racism and work hard to dismantle racism in all forms to the best of our ability. As I see it, learning in supportive environments is happening all across the province and it is the important first step in Becoming Beloved Community.
Sacred Ground is a race dialogue series designed for these times. It is an attempt to be responsive to the profound challenges that currently exist in our society. It is focused on the challenges that swirl around issues of race and racism, as well as the difficult but respectful and transformative dialogue we need to have with each other about them. It invites participants to walk back through history in order to peel away the layers that brought us to today, and to do so in a personal way, reflecting on family histories and stories, as well as important narratives that shape the collective American story. It holds the vision of beloved community as a guiding star
Sacred Ground circles are forming around the province and are using the curriculum in ways that best suit their context and community. Members of Province V gathered virtually at one of two teach ins held in June for anyone interested in learning about best practices and experiences of facilitating a Sacred Ground circle. These teach ins were convened by individuals from throughout the province and the sharing of experiences was powerful. These trainings were well attended and those gathered offered helpful information. The hope of these sessions was to give community leaders the confidence to organize and facilitate Sacred Ground circles in their church communities and neighborhoods. The Sacred Ground courses have excellent videos and printed materials for faith communities to learn from and topics for discussion. I believe that Sacred Ground as well as other books, videos, and teaching curriculums are the backbone of a learning and transforming community.
Another critical part of our journey to becoming a beloved community is companionship. We need others with us as we learn and discuss such important and serious topics. For some people this realization that they have been so “uninformed” for so long is difficult to accept and having community for discussion and processing is essential. This is where the Province V Dismantling Racism Network can be helpful. This group shares information and activities across the province and is a key network opportunity for many working to restore racial justice. This network meets quarterly via Zoom and is open to all individuals interested in dismantling systematic racism. Other local, diocesan and provincial groups meet and support each other as minds are opened and hearts are warmed to love one and other as we are loved by our God. I encourage you to start your own individual journey to learn more and help bring an end to the racism that plagues our siblings each day.
This is not a program or seasonal activity or something that you do when you are asked to be part of by others. This is a paradigm shift. A new way of being, a way of opening your mind and heart to the Spirit of God. Becoming Beloved Community is not a once and done or a training that is required for ministry. It is an ongoing transformation that we must fully embrace in the most gentle and genuine way that we can. A change that comes from the heart and will make our community a more welcoming place for all the children of God. So, join a group, read a book, engage in, learning opportunities to educate yourself in the overdue work of dismantling systematic racism. It is up to each of us to create a better world for everyone, and a world where racism is not destroying lives. Be the person who brings about the change that gives life and work towards Becoming Beloved Community.
Together, we are growing as reconcilers, justice-makers, and healers in the name of Christ.
Submitted by Jan Goossens
Province V Representative, NECW