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Episcopal Diocese
of Northern California
Commission for
Intercultural Ministries
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Episcopal Church Becoming Beloved Community | |
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Newsletter Highlights
General Convention
- Presiding bishop invites Episcopalians to look to their roots during #GC80 opening Eucharist
- Deputies engage in 'holy listening,' begin process toward healing by passing racial equity resolutions
- 80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church: July 10 sermon by the Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, bishop of the Diocese of Maryland
- Julia Ayala Harris implores Episcopalians to continue charting a new course
- House of Deputies elects Rachel Taber-Hamilton vice president
Sacred Ground
- Post-GC80 Webinar and Resources for the Fall
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St. John’s, Roseville, to Hold 4th Round of Sacred Ground Dialogue Circles
- Upcoming Diocesan Zoom Forum for Sacred Ground Facilitators
Other Highlights
- Navigating Conflict: Speaking the Truth in Love CALL Course
- I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice One-Day Workshop
- LGBTQ+ Individuals and Allies
- Pride Month at Trinity Cathedral
- Issei and Nisei - The Internment Years
- Diocesan Churches in Northern California Welcoming Refugees
- Diocesan Commission on the Environment
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Let Freedom Ring!
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Presiding bishop invites Episcopalians to look to their roots during #GC80 opening Eucharist
Episcopal News Service I Egan Millard I Posted July 8, 2022
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Presiding Bishop Michael Curry preaches to both houses of General Convention during the opening Eucharist July 8. Curry’s sermon was a pre-recorded broadcast on screen, as bishops and deputies worshipped separately due to the convention’s COVID-19 restrictions. Photo: Video screenshot | |
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Opening the 80th General Convention here on July 8, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry put the gathering in context: perhaps not the grand, joyous reunion the church had craved, but a moment of orientation in “strange and difficult days.”
Preaching on the Book of Isaiah and its descriptions of the Babylonian exile, Curry compared that age of disorientation and turmoil to the past few years in the United States and the unprecedented disruption they have wrought. He listed a now-familiar litany of crises – the pandemic, the Jan. 6 insurrection, George Floyd’s murder and the resulting racial reckoning, the rise of violent white nationalism, the epidemic of gun violence, the Ukraine War and more – and offered the words of Isaiah as a way for Episcopalians to reorient themselves.
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Deputies engage in 'holy listening,' begin process toward healing by passing racial equity resolutions
Episcopal News Service I Pat McCaughan | Posted July 8, 2022
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Navajoland Area Mission Deputy Ruth Johnson tells the House of Deputies “my hell began” at a New Mexico mission boarding school where she was beaten. The clock in the upper left marks the time remaining in her testimony. Photo: Video screenshot | |
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On the first day of the 80th General Convention following heart-wrenching testimony, the House of Deputies on July 8 initiated a new beginning in the life of the church, overwhelmingly approving resolutions to establish a voluntary coalition for racial equity and justice, and to reckon with The Episcopal Church’s involvement in Indigenous boarding schools.
“The pain and suffering caused by white supremacy cannot be minimized or denied,” Arizona Deput[y] the Rev. John Kitagawa said when introducing Resolution A125, a substitute amendment offered by the Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee, which he co-chairs. The resolution would establish a voluntary Episcopal Coalition for Racial Equity and Justice among dioceses and congregations.
“The veil of the continued complicity by institutions, including our church, is lifting to expose the wounds of generational trauma and internalized oppression,” he said. Dealing with these challenges, he added, would constitute “a seismic shift” for the church.
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80th General Convention of The Episcopal Church: July 10 sermon by the Rt. Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, bishop of the Diocese of Maryland
Office of Public Affairs I Posted July 10, 2022
"Tear Down the Walls"
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Listen to this powerful and inspiring address by The Rt. Rev. Eugene Sutton, Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland, of how the diocese has confronted its history to learn and reckon with the truth of its complicity with slavery and how the diocese is working to correct this injustice. | |
Julia Ayala Harris implores Episcopalians to continue charting a new course
Episcopal News Service I Pat McCaughan I Posted July 11, 2022
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Julia Ayala Harris, a deputy from the Diocese of Oklahoma, was elected as president of the House of Deputies of The Episcopal Church. She is the first Latina to hold the position. | |
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Preaching during Morning Prayer on July 11, House of Deputies President-elect Julia Ayala Harris heralded the election of two women of color to be the deputies’ top two leaders, and urged worshippers to continue examining faith norms, systems and structures, “because The Episcopal Church has so much to give to the world.”
“People are looking for acceptance, belonging, healing and wholeness,” she said in a pre-recorded sermon greeted with applause. “When we are at our very best, we can share that with the world. This week, The Episcopal Church committed itself and its resources to the reckoning with its past, in order to create a more just, inclusive and authentic future.”
Referring to the July 10 election of the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton as vice president of the House of Deputies, she added: “This week The Episcopal Church elected a vice president who is an Indigenous woman, during a time when we are reckoning with our Indigenous boarding school past.”
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House of Deputies elects Rachel Taber-Hamilton vice president
Episcopal News Service I Melodie Woerman I Posted July 10, 2022
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Olympia Deputy Rachel Taber-Hamilton addresses the House of Deputies July 10 after being elected as its vice president. The rest of the Olympia deputation joined her on the platform. Photo: Scott Gunn | |
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The House of Deputies on July 10 elected the Rev. Rachel Taber-Hamilton as its vice president. She is the first ordained woman, and only the third woman, to serve in this capacity since the role of deputies’ vice president was created in 1964.
Taber-Hamilton, who is Shackan First Nation, joins President-Elect Julia Ayala Harris, a Latina lay woman from the Diocese of Oklahoma, will be the first people of color serving together as leaders of the House of Deputies. Their elections mark the first time two women will lead the house.
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Navigating Conflict: Speaking the Truth in Love
The Rev. Alex Leach
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The Rev. Alex Leach, Rector of St. Luke's, Woodland, will teach an online CALL course on navigating conflict for the Church Divinity School of the Pacific from September 12 - October 31, 2022. Registration opens July 20 and includes a registration fee.
Course description: Reconciliation is the mission of the Church; and reconciliation is not the absence of conflict but rather the navigation of it. When approached with skill and grounded in Christ’s love, conflict is a healthy process through which we fully encounter our neighbor, we learn about ourselves, and ultimately leads to unity amidst difference. In this course, you will learn concrete skills and tools that help keep conflict healthy and safe. You will also explore the spiritual practices which form the bedrock of this work. Over the seven weeks, you will be asked to read, listen, reflect, and practice skills.
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Photo credit: Maria Ramirez | |
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I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice
Saturday, August 27, 2022, 9:30 am - 4 pm
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This one-day in-person workshop will be hosted by Christ Episcopal Church, 625 15th Street, Eureka. The workshop was specially developed for the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California by the Commission for Intercultural Ministries. Renew your Baptismal Covenant as we learn about forms of historic and contemporary racism and how to engage in ministry with sensitivity and respect for all.
Please note that due to the nature of the program, attendance is limited to 30 participants.
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Post-Convention July Webinar
Tuesday, July 19, 2022, 12-1:30 pm PT
With the 80th General Convention behind us, we are very excited about the church’s work on racial justice and reconciliation ministries. We will engage with leaders from the Presiding Officers’ Working Group on Truth-Telling, Reckoning, and Healing; the Legislative Committee on Racial Justice and Reconciliation; and the Advisory Group on Beloved Community Implementation, including:
Rev. Canon John Kitagawa – Diocese of Arizona
Bishop Ian Douglas - Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut
Rev. Canon Cornelia Eaton - Canon to the Ordinary of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland
The discussion will be moderated by Canon Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation, and Creation Care.
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Resources Heading Into the Fall
You are probably thinking about Sacred Ground circles for the fall! So, we want to offer some resources now, as you consider how Circles can further the work of the commitments that emerge from the General Convention:
Take the opportunity to review curricular changes that were made in April 2022.
Here are some recommended best practices for organizing and facilitating Circles derived from the 2021 evaluation efforts.
Enjoy this invitational video from the Union of Black Episcopalians that speaks to the question of whether to form a White Work Circle or an Interracial Circle.
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We look forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks and pray for the “Kingdom work” ahead of us,
In peace,
The Sacred Ground Team
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St. John's, Roseville, to Hold Fourth Round of
Sacred Ground Dialogue Circles
Begins Wednesday, August 10, 2022
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Sacred Ground is a film- and readings-based small group dialogue series on race and racism in America, grounded in faith; and is part of Becoming Beloved Community, the Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. To date, over 50 individuals have attended the three previous sets of circles offered at St. John’s.
This is a 11-session program, with small group discussion and reflection. Sessions will be held bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings from 7 pm - 9 pm beginning August 10 and will be offered via Zoom. There is no cost for attending the program, although participants are asked to purchase two books to help guide them in our discussions.
For more information, or to indicate your interest in attending, please contact
Fr. Cliff Haggenjos at haggenjos@comcast.net or 707.235.9728.
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Upcoming Diocesan Zoom Forum for Sacred Ground Facilitators Saturday, August 27, 2022, 10 am
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Past, present and potential Sacred Ground facilitators are invited to share their experiences and questions during a Sacred Ground Facilitators Forum on Saturday, Aug. 27. Sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California’s Commission for Intercultural Ministries, the 90-minute forum will begin at 10 a.m. via Zoom.
For those who recently led or are now leading a Circle, this will be an opportunity to discuss issues, including curriculum changes made this year.
For those considering or planning to host a Sacred Ground Circle in the near future, this will be a chance to tap into the wisdom of those who are already engaged in the work of Becoming Beloved Community. (Information about forming a Circle is available at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/sacred-ground/getting-started/.)
Zoom links for the Sacred Ground Facilitators Forum will be sent to those who register at:https://forms.gle/kLYKfR6NWRvQQRNi8.
Questions may be directed to Karen Nolan at norcalcim@gmail.com.
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LGBTQ+ Individuals and Allies
The Commission for Intercultural Ministries hosted an initial conversation with members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies on June 25. The conversation focused on the experience of members of the LGBTQ+ community in our churches and brainstorming about recommendations to support our churches to be more welcoming of this community. The group will meet again to continue the conversation.
If you would like to participate in the next gathering, please contact Miriam Casey, Co-Chair of the Commission for Intercultural Ministries, at norcalcim@gmail.com.
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Pride Month at Trinity Cathedral | |
Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento held a Pride Eucharist on June 22 with church and community members celebrating the affirming culture of the Cathedral towards the LGBTQ+ community. | |
Issei and Nisei - The Internment Years
Daisuke Kitagawa
In the May 2022 issue of the Beloved Community Resource Newsletter, we featured the story of The Rev. Daisuke Kitagawa who was the Priest-in-Charge of Japanese-American Episcopalians in 1942 at the Tule Lake Relocation Center located within the boundaries of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.
Rev. Kitagawa shares his and the Japanese-American community internment experiences in his book, Issei and Nisei, from within the relocation center.
We recommend this book as an informative and insightful source of information from Rev. Kitagawa's perspective ministering to Japanese Americans who were unjustly interned during World War II.
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Diocesan Churches in Northern California Welcoming Refugees
Episcopal churches and their community partners are welcoming a Ukrainian family in the Redding area and Afghan families in Sacramento, Cameron Park, Napa, Santa Rosa, and Petaluma.
The gratitude for this loving, life sustaining work is expressed in a letter by Ruslana, a young mother from Ukraine who is now living in the Redding area with her husband and three young children:
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You, too, can become involved in this vital ministry!
Click here to learn more about refugee resettlement in our Diocese. For more information, contact Bob Wohlsen - bob.wohlsen@gmail.com.
Refugee Resettlement Team
Lynn Zender, Chair
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Diocesan Commission on the Environment
In 2019 the Diocesan Convention approved a resolution to form the Commission on the Environment. The purpose of the Commission is "to encourage and support congregations in their efforts to be environmentally friendly and to minister in ways that honor Creation."
After some delays, the Commission had its first organizing meeting on July 7 and began the process of outlining how the Commission will function.
The next meeting will be on August 4th.
If you have an interest in contributing to the formation and work of the Commission on the Environment, please contact Miriam Casey at mlcasey7@yahoo.com.
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United States Civil Rights Trail Adds 14 New Sites in 2022 | |
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Fourteen new attractions have been added to the U.S. Civil Rights Trail (USCRT) for 2022, bringing the total number of stops on the trail to more than 130 across 14 states. These historic destinations greatly enrich the trail experience for travelers and expand the deep and complex story of the Civil Rights Movement.
The additions include three sites in Tennessee, one in Missouri, nine in Louisiana and one in Virginia. Read more here about these additional sites from The Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing.
About the U.S. Civil Rights Trail
The U.S. Civil Rights Trail is a collection of churches, courthouses, schools, museums and other landmarks primarily in the Southern states where activists challenged segregation in the 1950s and 1960s to advance social justice. Famous sites include the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama; Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas; the Greensboro, North Carolina, Woolworth’s where sit-ins began; the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee; and Dr. King’s birthplace in Atlanta, to name a few. The people, locations and destinations included in the Civil Rights Trail provide a way for families, travelers and educators to experience history firsthand and tell the story of how “what happened here changed the world.” For details about dozens of significant sites and to see interviews with civil rights foot soldiers, visit CivilRightsTrail.com.
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June 28, 2022
Office of Government Relations
As a member of the Episcopal Public Policy Network, you are committed to a ministry of public policy advocacy. At times, this ministry can feel empowering and impactful, such as when legislation like the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, the most significant gun reform legislation in 30 years, passes thanks to the efforts of advocates such as yourself.
At other times and in darker moments, however, it can feel like not only is our advocacy ineffective, but it is hard to see how our efforts can lead to the success we are aiming for. Over the past few years, I have been asked if we will ever be able to end crushing poverty in the United States and abroad, whether we can truly treat all people with dignity and end the violence and dehumanization of racism, whether perpetrators of atrocities will ever be held to account. This past week, I found myself wondering how to move forward in light of recent Supreme Court opinions that have stripped away protections and rights for millions around the country.
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Statement from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and President of the House of Deputies Gay Clark Jennings on NYSRPA v. Bruen | |
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June 23, 2022
Office of Public Affairs
The Supreme Court’s decision today striking down New York’s regulation of the concealed carry of firearms—at a time when our nation is reeling from gun violence—raises grave concerns. We fear this decision will lead to more firearms on our streets and in our communities. When we signed onto an amicus brief in this case last year, we did so because we feared increased gun violence in churches and other houses of worship—a fear that was realized less than a week ago at Saint Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama.
As the conveners of the Bishops United Against Gun Violence network wrote in a statement released today, the ruling “puts people of faith at greater risk when we gather for prayer, worship, fellowship, and service.”
The Episcopal Church will continue its advocacy for commonsense gun violence prevention laws, and we invite you to learn more about how you can become involved in these efforts.
Finally, we ask you to pray for all those who have lost a loved one to gun violence—or will lose one today or tomorrow.
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Refugees Face a Critical Deadline in
Their Quest to Remain in the US
Last summer 75,000+ refugees were evacuated from Afghanistan and allowed to enter the United States. Many of these refugees’ entry permits (Humanitarian Parole) will expire this summer. To remain here they must apply for a one-year extension or receive the immigration status which puts them on a path to obtaining a green card. To date, Congress has failed to provide a clear path for refugees to do this.
It is very urgent that two pieces of legislation be passed to make it possible for many of the refugees to remain here rebuilding their lives. Please advocate by writing to your Congressional Representative and Senators to move this critical legislation forward via the links below:
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A Closer Look with the
Office of Government Relations:
Religious Liberty and the Supreme Court
with the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty
Tuesday, July 26, 2022, 10 am PT
Please join Holly Hollman, General Counsel and Associate Executive Director of the Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty, for a conversation about the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on religious liberty. Ms. Hollman will address the case of the praying football coach, taxpayer support for religious schools in Maine, and help shed light on the framework for these decisions and what it means for those of us committed to religious freedom. Mary Kostel, Chancellor to the Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, will moderate the discussion for the Office of Government Relations.
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As followers of Jesus, we are called to follow the way of love that Jesus teaches us, and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
We understand that the laws enacted at the federal and state levels impact the systems that operate within our communities. They either contribute to building just systems and the Beloved Community, or they diminish justice and equity within societal systems. As people of faith, we have an opportunity to advocate for laws that are just and help to build the Beloved Community.
The Action Alerts provided below are supported by the General Convention and/or the Executive Committee. Please review these Action Alerts and consider submitting a letter to elected officials encouraging them to support legislation that builds justice and the Beloved Community.
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Federal lawmakers have rightly made human trafficking a legislative priority. We applaud their efforts and stand with them. We call on Congress to move quickly to pass S.3946, the Abolish Human Trafficking Reauthorization Act of 2022. This bipartisan legislation will reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2017 as well as implement vital provisions to end the criminalization of child trafficking victims. The bill would also reform current standards for child sex crime victims who are being prosecuted within the adult criminal justice system. It would allow judges to depart from harsh punishments for child victims and help state, local, and tribal child welfare agencies to identify and respond to vulnerable children at risk of trafficking. | |
It is our duty as Christians to not only care for each other, but for all of God’s creatures. The Episcopal Church has shown support for endangered species as part of creation care. Supporting the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act of 2021 (H.R.2773/S.2372) will allow for threatened wildlife to receive better protection before it is too late. Tell your Senators to pass the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act! | |
Since 1976, The Episcopal Church has maintained its “unequivocal opposition to any legislation on the part of the national or state governments which would abridge or deny the right of individuals to reach informed decisions [about the termination of pregnancy] and to act upon them.” We uphold the conscience rights of pregnant women and other pregnant persons to determine whether they want to continue a pregnancy. The Episcopal Church views reproductive rights as “an integral part of a woman’s struggle to assert her dignity and worth as a human being.” | |
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The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California
Commission for Intercultural Ministries
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