Race & Reconciliation Committee

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.  Read more bout the training here.

Read the Becoming Beloved Community/Anti-Racism Policy of the Diocese of Southwest Florida

Upcoming Dismantling Racism Training Events

• March 2, 2024: one day by Zoom
• May 14,15,16: three evenings by Zoom
• September 14, 2024: in person at Day Spring

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.

• PRIMARY CONTACT: The Rev. James Reho, [email protected]

Co-Chair: The Rev. Kathy Schillreff  – [email protected] 
Co- Chair: Ms. Tania Wilkes  – [email protected] 

Mr. Russ Ball – [email protected]
Ms. Ning Bonoan  – [email protected]
Ms. Ayana Grady  – [email protected]
The Rev. Peter Lane  – [email protected]
Ms. Rebecca Lyons  – [email protected]
Ms. Leila Mizer – [email protected]

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 Study

Kickoff: “Resurrection Hope” with the author the Rev. Cn. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas. Watch the event below:

https://episcopalswfl.zoom.us/rec/share/nu99DrMJ1cp6o2fOL82gq0FV3pMaCu2XHIIL8xXknJxqtdI4suGXSfpmZI_zpp6v.wJeCXBP23jvPT4wv 

An Indigenous Boarding School Experience with Wayne William Snellgrove

Watch the event below:

https://episcopalswfl.zoom.us/rec/share/anxzks5GWqJi1IrI08_f0eYWLfrJVv0YkcakCtzRiTjCFjJXqiqenx8gBvs4G9zQ.1B3Cyf8uXPmTHObP

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. Read a follow-up piece from Catherine Meeks, “Can We Have A Word With You?”  

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. To download the presentation click HERE.

Brian McLaren: The Doctrine of Discovery “To Understand the Present, Study the Past”

• To understand what is happening in the United States today, we need to understand an important document from the 15th Century called “The Doctrine of Discovery.” Watch the recording HERE.  Links mentioned in the presentation can be found HERE

Ubuntu: I in You and You in Me

• Reconciliation with The Rev. Dr. Michael Battle. Two of the main sessions can be viewed 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 )
• The transcript of the chat can be found HERE

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.