Dear Beloved Siblings in Christ, 

As we prepare to celebrate the feast days of the Blessed Absalom Jones and the Blessed Barbara Harris at Christ Church, Shaker Heights on Saturday, February 14, 2026, I would be honored to gather with people of color from across the Diocese of Ohio for a time of deep listening and honest conversation. 

Both Absalom Jones and Barbara Harris embodied courageous truth-telling, pastoral presence, and the unyielding conviction that the Church must reflect the reconciling love of God. Inspired by their lives and witness, I invite you to join me for a space of openness, reflection, and hope as we continue the work of building the Beloved Community together. 

We will gather immediately following the reception after the diocesan celebration of Absalom Jones and Barbara Harris. Our conversation will last approximately one hour. This will be a closed gathering for only people of color with me and a member of my staff and no recordings, so that we may speak freely and listen deeply to one another. Allies and others are encouraged to pray for us.  

Please RSVP here. 

My desire is simply to hear from our Episcopalians of color - about your experiences, your wisdom, your concerns, and your hopes for our Church and our shared ministry in Northern Ohio. Your voices matter profoundly to me and to the ongoing transformation of our diocese. 

I hope you will join me for this time of truth, courage, and connection, carried in the spirit of those whose shoulders we stand upon. 

God’s Peace, 

+Anne 

The Rt. Rev. Anne B Jolly 

Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ohio