Anti-Racism Trainings and more

Living into Racial Justice in the New Year

Resources for putting racial justice into parish practice

The Episcopal Diocese of Pennsylvania's Anti-Racism Commission is here to connect you to trainings, resources and support that is rooted in our baptismal covenant. The Commission has long provided the diocese's anti-racism trainings, which are mandatory for clergy and open to all. And it has been a supportive partner in the diocese's Loving Presence Initiative. In the new year, look for new healing circles for people of African descent, programs that help implement the Loving Presence recommendations, and accessible resources to further the work.

Learn more about the Diocese's work of racial justice and repair at diopa.org/racialjustice.

Singing the African American Spirituals with Integrity

Saturday, Jan. 29 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

At the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

Fee: $15. Scholarships available.

Church musicians, clergy, and lay people are invited to learn more about how to introduce the repertoire of the African American spirituals to their choirs and congregations in this workshop sponsored by the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral and the Diocesan Anti-Racism Commission.

Four clinicians will model how they teach the Spirituals to their adult, youth, and children’s choirs, as well as to their congregations. Special attention will be given to the historical context of the music, and the ways in which those who are not direct descendants of the enslaved people who originated the Spirituals can develop their own authentic connection to the music with respect and integrity.

Please note: In order to ensure COVID safety during this in-person singing event, proof of COVID vaccination must be provided at the door. Separation and masking will be maintained by workshop participants.

For information on scholarships email arc@diopa.org.

Learn more and read bios of the presenters here.

Anti-Racism Commission 2022 Trainings

Start with an Introduction to Systemic Racism

Jan. 29 from 9 a.m. to noon on Zoom

Fee: $15. Scholarships available.

The first in ARC’s five-part series, this one-time prerequisite seminar explores the multi-layered manifestations of systemic racism. After taking the introduction, the rest of the workshops can be taken in any order. The series repeats annually, and offers the Introduction to Systemic Racism workshop three times a year. Find the full 2022 schedule here.

To learn more about scholarships email arc@diopa.org.

Learn more and register

Celebrate Blessed Absalom Jones in February

Sat., Feb. 12 from 9:30 am to 11:30

Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral

23 S 38th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Celebrate the life of Blessed Absalom Jones, the first Black Episcopal priest and founder of The African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia. The Rt. Rev. Daniel Gutiérrez will preside at this in-person, joyful liturgy, sponsored by the Absalom Jones Committee.

Use these appointed readings to plan your own parish commemoration on his feast day, Sunday, Feb. 13.

Learn more about the Feb. 12 program here.

Diocese of Pennsylvania Anti-Racism Commission Email us at arc@diopa.org.