Union of Black Episcopalians

The Union of Black Episcopalians, formerly the Union of Black Clergy and Laity, is an organization of The Episcopal Church.

Union of Black Episcopalians
Religions
Christianity
(The Episcopal Church)
Website
Official website Edit this at Wikidata
Formed 1968 (1968)

History

The union was formed on February 8, 1968, by a group of African-American clergy who met in St. Philip's Episcopal Church to identify the church with the growing Black Power movement in their communities. The desire to articulate the problems of minority populations had been expressed by the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity. However, it was felt that its agenda was influenced largely by white Episcopalians, and did not necessarily express the aspirations of African-Americans.[1][2]

The organization meets annually, and includes clergy and laity, men and women, without distinction. Chapters are organized by dioceses and are joined in regional groups to express local concerns more effectively. The goals of the union are to help the church eradicate racism within its structure, to indicate the importance of an authentic African-American voice in decisions of diocesan and national governing bodies, to develop liturgical styles in worship, and to encourage and participate in the political and religious concerns of the African American community.[3][4]

Membership

In 2018 there were 38 chapters within seven geographical regions.[5] The Union of Black Episcopalians convenes an annual business meeting for all members.[6][7]

References
  1. Mjagkij, Nina (2003-12-16). Organizing Black America: An Encyclopedia of African American Associations. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-135-58123-7.
  2. Randolph, Michael P. G. G. (1994). A Faithful Journey: Black Leadership in the Episcopal Church. Forward Movement.
  3. Armentrout, Donald S.; Slocum, Robert Boak, eds. (2000). An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church: A User-Friendly Reference for Episcopalians. New York: Church Publishing Incorporated. pp. 532–533. ISBN 978-0-89-869211-2.
  4. Prichard, Robert W. (1999-09-01). History of the Episcopal Church - Revised Edition. Church Publishing, Inc. ISBN 978-0-8192-2896-3.
  5. says, Canon Richard Miller (2018-07-27). "Union of Black Episcopalians at 50". Episcopal News Service. Retrieved 2020-01-22.
  6. "Union of Black Episcopalians 'family reunion' in Los Angeles concludes, work continues". Episcopal News Service. 2019-07-29. Retrieved 2020-01-22.
  7. "Union of Black Episcopalians meets in Los Angeles, celebrates diaspora, women bishops". Episcopal News Service. 2019-07-23. Retrieved 2020-01-22.
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