[Union of Black Episcopalians] The opening Eucharist service of the Union of Black Episcopalians annual conference, held July 31 at Christ Church Cathedral in New Orleans, Louisiana, commenced with an acknowledgment and confession of the sin of racism.
Bishop of Louisiana Morris Thompson addressed the congregation of more than 400 people.
“We gather in this sacred space, that has long been hallowed by laughter, great celebration, and the tears of lament,” he said. “Today we gather with the heirs of the African Diaspora, in the Union of Black Episcopalians, to celebrate, to grieve, to confess, and to move a step closer toward God’s vision of reconciliation and wholeness. We as the Diocese of Louisiana rejoice to host this gathering and take this opportunity to express again our most profound regret that the Episcopal Church in this diocese lent the institution of slavery its support and justification based on Scripture and after slavery formally was abolished, continued for at least a century to be negligent in opposing segregation and discrimination. This chair, built by the hands of slaves and owned by our very own Bishop Leonidas Polk for his use in fulfilling his duties as bishop of the Diocese of Louisiana, is a physical reminder of our own complicity in this evil system. And we here repent again, and apologize for our complicity in the institution of slavery and the injury done by it and its aftermath. We recommit ourselves to amend our lives, and continue to oppose the sin of racism in personal and public life, and continue to help build communities and liberation and justice.”
Thompson then motioned to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry to be seated in the chair built by slaves and now occupied by a bishop that is a descendent of slaves as a powerful symbol of reconciliation. All in attendance gave a rousing applause to signify the moment. Thompson also presented Curry with a gift of artwork commissioned by one of his parishioners.
This post appeared here first: UBE Opening Eucharist includes confession of the sin of racism
[Episcopal News Service – Blog]