Race & Reconciliation Committee

“Becoming Beloved Community: The Episcopal Church’s Long-term Commitment to Racial Healing, Reconciliation and Justice” is more than just another program – this is intended to be a path for all of us to follow.

Becoming Beloved Community

As outlined by The Episcopal Church in May 2017, Becoming Beloved Community has a focus on racial healing and is comprised of four components: tell the truth; repair the breach; proclaim the dream; and practice the way of love. Becoming the Beloved Community is a journey.

The Race & Reconciliation Committee of the Diocese of Southwest Florida is an ad hoc committee, which will help equip the diocese to continue to live into reconciling work of the Gospel in the spirit of Becoming Beloved Community.

Committee Priorities

  • Develop and conduct anti-racism training for the diocese
  • Provide resources and training for anti-racism work for parishes
  • Plan and implement anti-racism events for the diocese

Mission of the Committee

The Race and Reconciliation Committee of the Diocese of Southwest Florida serves the diocese as we live out our Baptismal Covenant and honor the resolutions of our General Convention. Our work focuses on education and advocacy with the purpose of dismantling racism and lifting up racial justice and reconciliation in Christ.

Purpose of the Committee

The Race and Reconciliation Committee of the Diocese of Southwest Florida develops and supports training (as required by canon), resources, events, and communication to the diocese and its parishes to increase awareness and advocacy around individual and systemic racism. We strive to enkindle in the hearts of all a passion for, and action toward, an inclusive, diverse, and joyful vision of the Body of Christ, in which the image of God is celebrated in each and every human person.

  • Upcoming Dismantaling Racism Training

    In support of the Diocese of Southwest Florida’s Becoming Beloved Community/Anti-Racism Policy, the diocesan Race and Reconciliation Committee is offering a six-hour diocesan dismantling racism training aligned with The Episcopal Church’s priority of racial reconciliation beginning in 2022.

    Training will include a framework for brave group dialogue, an overview of The Episcopal Church’s rationale for addressing racial injustice, a strong grounding in scripture and church tradition, and an overview of notable historical events in America. Training will be held via Zoom to accommodate a large number of clergy and lay leaders who are required to participate.

    Learn more about the trainings and diocesan training policy HERE.

  • Find a Sacred Ground Meeting

    Sacred Ground is a film – and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism while weaving in threads of the family story, economic class, and political and regional identity. The 10-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings focusing on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories. New dialogue circles form year-round. You can contact any of these deanery contacts below for more information on how to join the next circle or to learn more about this important work. Learn more HERE.

  • Past Events and Recordings

    Critical Race Theory Origins and Applications with Dr. Ray Arsenault

    The Race and Reconciliation Committee invites you to watch  Dr. Raymond Arsenault and learn more about Critical Race Theory, its origins, and its applications.
    Dr. Arsenault is an American historian and academic. He is the John Hope Franklin Professor of Southern History and co-director of the Florida Studies Program at the University of South Florida.

    Watch The Event Here

    Diocesan-wide book read: The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism by Jemar Tisby (video introduction)

    • This six-week book study gathered over Zoom to discuss The  Color of Compromise: The Truth about the American Church’s Complicity in Racism. Author Jemar Tisby answered questions via video, and a shared discussion addressed what steps we can take moving forward.

    Dr. Catherine Meeks: “Where are We Now & Where do We Go From Here?”

    • Catherine Meeks, Ph.D., is Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing.  A sought-after teacher and workshop leader, Catherine brings four decades of experience to the work of dismantling racism in Atlanta. Watch her DaySpring Racial Reconciliation Workshop HERE. 

    The Work of the Church in Reconciliation and Racial Healing

    • The Diocesan Committee on Race and Reconciliation is working to gather and create an array of resources to assist parishes and individuals in confronting racism. Join us to learn about the available resources, including updated resources from our website, how to participate in a Sacred Ground dialogue circle to learn about racism in the community, and upcoming events. A recording of this workshop is available HERE. 

    Grace in a Year Of Trials

    Two-night discussion on race, pandemic, and election in 2020; for both nights’ discussions, click HERE.

    • Part I: Reckoning with the Two Pandemics with the Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta.
    • Part II: The Intersection of Faith and Civic Life

    The Effects of COVID-19 on Our Communities 

    • A conversation with Dr. Kanika Tomalin, Deputy Mayor of St. Petersburg, and Randy Russell, president/CEO of the Center for Health Equity, about the many aspects of COVID-19. Moderated by the Rev. Martha Goodwill. Presented at the 52nd Annual Diocesan Convention. Watch the recording HERE.

    Uncovering the Confederate Legacy in the Church with The Rev. Hanna Pommersheim

    • To watch the recording of this webinar held on Sept. 29, 2020, click HERE ( Passcode: 7m?W4Q6N )

    Beloved Community Town Hall

    • To watch the recording of the Beloved Community Town Hall held on Sept. 8, 2020, click HERE ( Passcode: 6..+xsie )

    Ambassador Andrew Young at Church of the Redeemer

    • Andrew Young spoke at Church of the Redeemer on Jan. 16, 2020. Click HERE.