The Episcopal Diocese 

of Northern California

Beloved Community

Resource Newsletter

Published by

The Commission for

Intercultural Ministries

January 2025

Episcopal Church Becoming Beloved Community

Happy New Year

Newsletter Highlights:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Trinity Cathedral
• National Day of Racial Healing
• Upcoming Black History Events in February: A Collaboration Between the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Commission for Intercultural Ministries and the Washington National Cathedral Racial Justice Initiative
• 2025 Racial Reconciliation Hybrid Training Workshop Update
• Grateful for Revival Brunch
• Season of Courage: Daniel Moyer, Creation Care Leader, St. Alban's, Arcata
• California Churches Move Toward Carbon Neutrality by 2030
• Japanese Americans in the Diocese of Northern California, 1942
• Registration Now Open for Pathways 2025: Nuevas Fronteras!
• New Year Thoughts from Bob Wohlsen and the Refugee Resettlement Team

Between a president who recently died

and one about to begin

we remember a man who was never president.

(We notice the harmonies, and the dissonances.)

See how our choices matter—

not our position, nor our power, but our character.

We remember Martin, who was famous,

and in his name thousands more who were not,

but just as brave and merciful and mighty.

We remember all those who were peacemakers,

the nonviolent seekers of justice who have gone before,

and those who are now among us, without office.

We give thanks for those who stood against injustice,

who faced violence, hatred and anger with gentle courage,

and we pray for that spirit as well:

that we will not walk with the haughty and the cruel,

that we will be truthful and kind,

that we confront the power to exclude with the power to love.

With blessed leaders showing us the way,

we pray that we will choose love over fear,

generosity over selfishness, service over supremacy.

We give thanks for the saints who have gone before,

link arms with the saints who risk even now,

and with their song in our throats, we carry on.

Deep Blessings,

Pastor Steve

Listen to the audio recording.

The 2025 National Day of Racial Healing (NDORH) will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21. It is an annual observance that follows Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

This year, the ELCA, in partnership with Augsburg Fortress, will join the movement of racial healing for our church and the nation. On Jan. 21, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central time [8 am to 12 noon Pacific time], the ELCA will feature a free online educational event that centers the voices of ELCA leaders of color. We invite you to join us in this collective effort for a more just and equitable world. This event is open to all ELCA rostered ministers, lay leaders and members. We welcome all ELCA synods, congregations, colleges, universities, seminaries, separately incorporated ministries and antiracism teams, as well as the church’s affiliate organizations and ecumenical and interreligious partners.

Upcoming Black History Events in February

A Collaboration Between the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

Commission for Intercultural Ministries and

Washington National Cathedral Racial Justice Initiative

Book study hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Commission for Intercultural Ministries and the Washington National Cathedral Racial Justice Initiative.

February 8 and 22, 2025 – 10 am (PST) and 1 pm (EST)

All That She Carried: The Journey of Ashley's Sack, a Black Family Keepsake by Tiya Miles, is a National Book Award Winner and New York Times Bestseller, and has been praised by diverse authors, scholars, and people like you and me.  

"In All That She Carried, the peerless Tiya Miles confronts both the staggering anguish and atrocity of American slavery and the still more staggering courage and beauty of the lives she chronicles. A history told with brilliance and tenderness and fearlessness." - Jill Lepore, author of These Truths: A History of the United States

"All That She Carried" is a stunning work of history and humanism, and Miles is one of our most eloquent chroniclers of the African American experience." - Michael Eric Dyson, author of Long Time Coming: Reckoning with Race in America

Tiya Miles, a renowned Harvard historian, traces the life of a single object handed down through three generations of Black women. It is an extraordinary testament to people who are left out of the stories of our history. We will explore themes of resilience and love, creativity and fierce resourcefulness, and honor and dignity in the face of unspeakable challenges and cruelty that enslaved people were forced to endure.

The book study will be on Zoom. Once you have registered, anticipate receiving the Zoom link by email on February 8 and again on February 22.

For more information and to register, please contact:

Miriam Casey at EDNCBBC@gmail.com

Jayne Osgood at info@wncrji.org

Poetry Presentation hosted by the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California Commission for Intercultural Ministries and the Washington National Cathedral Racial Justice Initiative

 The presentation will be available beginning Saturday, February 15, on the Washington National Cathedral YouTube channel. 

Otis Sprow is from Baltimore and his work has been published in The Ekphrastic Review, Poets of Manor Mill, Artists from Maryland, and POEMS, his own self-published book which is available through Amazon. Learn more about Otis and his poetry on his Facebook page .

He has been a featured poet on several occasions for the Short Story Book Fest and various unique events in the Baltimore area. Additionally, he served as the featured poet for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Secretary's Award program in 2022.

Educated in the Baltimore City public school system, he attended Cornell University receiving BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering. Subsequently, he received an MBA (Finance) from George Washington University.

Residing in Pikesville, he writes his free verse poems with the intent that the reader/listener “get to know me a little better and have the space between you and I melt.”

Episcopal leaders and Episcopalians are affirming the church’s long-standing public policy positions and emphasizing Jesus’ Gospel message of love for neighbor, while praying for peace and unity as the Unites States prepares for President-elect Donald Trump to take office for the second time on Jan. 20.

The church’s Washington, D.C.-based Office of Government Relations has said it remains committed to advocating at the federal level for policies adopted in 650 General Convention and Executive Council resolutions. In addition, church leaders at all levels are affirming the Christian call to “welcome the stranger” as Trump vows to expedite a program of mass deportations. Other Episcopalians are discussing ways to support transgender and nonbinary people who fear increased attacks on their rights and safety.

And a day after Trump’s inauguration, the new president and his vice president, J.D. Vance, are expected to attend an interfaith and ecumenical worship service organized by Washington National Cathedral at 11 a.m. Eastern Jan. 21.

The House of Bishops Theology Committee's study of Christian nationalism addresses this important issue, which has increasingly come to the forefront of conversations surrounding Christianity, democracy, and white supremacy. In a framework of scripture, tradition, reason, and liturgy, this important report sheds light on the foundations of the movement, the distortions that drive it, the related dangers we face today, and a hopeful path forward. Through careful examination of Christian nationalism as sin, the Theology Committee warns not to fall into its trap, but instead to be a light to the world. - Book description on back cover

Editor's note: One of the responses by the Theology Committee to this crisis is the Sacred Ground dialogue series.

ESSENTIAL CONVERSATIONS: The Sin of Christian Nationalism

YouTube I Posted October 19, 2024

What is Christian nationalism, and why is it more important than ever for our communities of faith to engage in conversations about it? Join a distinguished panel of scholars and bishops for a webinar to discuss Christian nationalism and learn why the House of Bishops Theology Committee of The Episcopal Church has called it “the gravest and most dangerous sin of today.”

The webinar also marked the publication of the new book, The Crisis of Christian Nationalism: Report from the House of Bishops Theology Committee by Church Publishing Incorporated.

This event was sponsored by Church Publishing Incorporated and the Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice.

More than ever, we need Sacred Ground.  

Leading up to the Durham, North Carolina, regional gathering in November, we heard from many in the Sacred Ground community that they were feeling worn down by the constant churn of negative news and by the extreme vitriol that has become the norm in our country’s political discourse. Each of us was experiencing different emotions about the presidential election and what this might mean for our country, but we chose to come together that day. We chose to attend the gathering hoping for something other than the resentment that fills the airwaves, and we found it. 

Sacred Ground is an incredible gift in these times. It brings people into meaningful conversation about racism—no easy feat. It opens our hearts and our minds to a deeper understanding of our collective history and our faith. More people than I can count have told me that they are redoubling their commitment to Sacred Ground and to finding additional ways to make meaningful progress on racial justice.  

Our regional gatherings are a real and tangible way we can build the community we need in order to make progress toward Beloved Community, and we are thrilled to be coming to California at the end of this month. Please join us. 

Episcopal Church of the Epiphany

1839 Arroyo Ave., San Carlos, CA

Saturday, Jan. 25, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

This event is free. Lunch and refreshments are included.

REGISTER HERE.

The Sacred Ground team is excited to announce a two-part webinar series featuring Alan Yarborough, the associate director of the Office of Government Relations of The Episcopal Church.

Session 1: Building Capacity for Engaging on Tough Topics 

Jan. 28 from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time [10:15-11:30 a.m. Pacific Time]  

Sacred Ground in part is about building and maintaining relationships that are fundamental to our common life, helping us to see one another’s full humanity. This workshop will focus on civil discourse as a critical tool for bridging partisan divides, learning from one another, and creating better solutions for our communities. But what is civil discourse? How does it differ from civility? We will explore together how we can develop capacity for civil discourse and awareness of where we might apply these skills in everyday life. Please register here: Sacred Ground Webinar with Office of Government Relations - Formstack

Session 2: Leading in the Public Square 

Feb. 11 from 1:15-2:30 p.m. Eastern Time [10:15-11:30 a.m. Pacific Time]

For starters—what is policy advocacy and how is it different from, and complementary to, political activism? How can you leverage your personal power to influence U.S. policies on issues that matter to you, and how is such activity an expression of carrying out our faith? This workshop will explore the work of the church’s Office of Government Relations, the basic tools for engaging elected officials in advocacy, and allow ample open space to discuss questions attendees may have around advocacy and political engagement. Please register here: Sacred Ground Webinar with Office of Government Relations 2 - Formstack

Keeping Track of Sacred Ground

Are you forming a Sacred Ground Circle? Let the Commission for Intercultural Ministries know by registering it here: https://forms.gle/hriHCPKmLwjUHEyEA

Are you interested in joining a Sacred Ground Circle? Sign up here: https://forms.gle/G26EPxDzEFSpnsZW7

Planning is underway by the diocesan workshop facilitators for the 2025 one-day training workshop, "I Will, With God's Help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice." A workshop is planned for each of the seven deaneries in our diocese shown in the training schedule. Each workshop will be hybrid, meaning they will be available in-person and on Zoom. Registration links for these workshops will be published within the next two months in the Diocesan ENews and the Beloved Community Resource Newsletter. The diocesan policy regarding racial reconciliation training is here. As governing leaders in their churches, vestry and mission committee members are strongly encouraged to attend.

All are welcome to attend this training which will help you grow as reconcilers, healers, and justice bearers, to seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving God and your neighbor.

Please contact Miriam Casey, edncbbc@gmail.com, or Jo Ann Williams, bjwilli@surewest.net, for questions.

Saturday, February 1, 2025 I 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

St. John’s Episcopal Church

2351 Pleasant Grove Blvd.

Roseville, CA 95747

Our understanding of Revival is that it has to do with the awakening of our hearts to Christ’s Presence, His tender, loving, kind Presence which is alive in the world today.

We have found a way that helps us open our hearts to Him. The strategy is simple. We begin with Jesus instead of a problem. This is a profound Choice. It changes everything that follows it.

Come learn more about a simple, small group process that helps us open our hearts as, through the sharing of our stories, we allow the transforming love of Christ to revive our souls and lead us to share that love with others.

Season of Courage: Daniel Moyer

Creation Care Leader, St. Alban's-Arcata

Daniel is a leader in the Creation Care effort at St. Alban's. His knowledge of solar technology and his understanding of the impact of climate change on all peoples informs his work at St. Alban's and on the diocesan Commission on the Environment. Here is his story.

Embracing the Creation Care movement at my parish (Saint Alban's, Arcata, CA) has required courage, as it entails confronting established norms and advocating for a sustainable future. Not to mention getting up in front of people to talk! I’ve found that talking about being environmentally friendly often means challenging ingrained habits and promoting alternative, eco-conscious choices. By openly discussing environmentally friendly practices, our group has been able to inspire collective action and foster a sense of responsibility towards God's creation at Saint Alban's. I find courage in my fellow Creation Care Ministry team members and by knowing that our church community is adopting a greener lifestyle. Being a leader in the Creation Care Ministry took me out of my comfort zone and helped me to realize my determination to help the environment.

General Convention 81 Deputy, the Rev. Dr. Pamela Dolan, and Alternate Deputy, Miriam Casey, from the Diocese of Northern California co-authored Resolution D050 to Complete the Journey to Net Carbon Neutrality by 2030. 

“The resolution provides funding to create a resource for sharing information needed by churches to achieve the carbon reduction goal that was set by another resolution passed in 2022. We were very pleased that it was passed in 2024 by both Houses at General Convention 81, and received funding from the Executive Council Finance Committee,” said Casey.

The Diocese of Northern California is making great strides to achieve the goal of Carbon Neutral by 2030, with 39 churches developing project plans. Their 4-step process provides a roadmap for churches who want to embark on the journey to achieve carbon neutrality:

Colby May and members of the St. Paul's, Benicia, California, Green Team at the 2024 Energy Efficiency Audit

St. Paul's, Benicia - Green

When I was kid, Grandma’s house was the center of gravity for my extended family. Every few weeks, aunties, uncles, and innumerable cousins made the journey from the San Francisco Bay area back to Watsonville, CA. My cousins and I ran around the basement and sun porch, took baths in a big ol’ clawfoot tub, watched 1960’s sitcoms on a little TV, and snarfed down Dream Cake from the Freedom Bakery.

Occasionally, I wondered how an illiterate, immigrant widow raising five children during the Great Depression could have afforded a Victorian-era house. Mostly, I didn’t think about it.

I finally put the pieces together in 2011. While going through relatives’ 1941 and 1942 high school yearbooks, I remembered my mom’s vague years-old comment that “Uncle Bill bought the house from a Japanese dentist or something.”

Ten years later, I learned that my mom was close but slightly off target. The house had been the residence and practice of a Japanese American physician, Dr. Kichiro Koda, who was incarcerated in 1942 following the signing of Executive Order 9066 on 19 February 1942. My family purchased the house from its white owners in 1945: the 1913 Alien Land Law of California precluded non-citizens from owning property in California, and by federal law, Japanese immigrants like Dr. Koda were ineligible for citizenship. After release from camp – also in 1945 – Dr. Koda returned to Watsonville and reconstructed his practice, most likely starting from scratch.

Kelly Latimore Icons: La Sagrada Familia

Almighty God, help us to remember the flight of the Holy family to keep our Lord and Savior safe from persecution. Make us ever mindful of those who are suffering the same persecution and are fleeing for safety. Give them hope and calm their fears. Lead them to those who can keep them safe, and may we all open our hearts to the refugee so we may be the ones who will give them food when they are hungry, give them drink when they are

thirsty and take them in even though they are a stranger for when we do for them, we are doing for you. Amen

Mark your calendars for July 5-10, 2025 and sign up now! We’re thrilled to invite teens aged 15-19 on a meaningful journey to Tijuana, Mexico, where we’ll partner with Via International and the Diocese of San Diego for an immersive experience in immigration ministries. This unique opportunity will allow our group to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and hopes surrounding immigration, while actively supporting and learning from those on the front lines of this important work.

Through hands-on activities and meaningful conversations, you'll build connections, develop a greater sense of empathy, and explore how faith calls us to serve others. We'll wrap up with a beach day in San Diego.

For more info: julie@norcalepiscopal.org

For more summer adventures check out Camps - The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.

Raise your hand if you have ancestors who migrated to the U.S. from a different country. Most of us do. We are “a diverse collection of global ancestries shaped by migration from distant continents and admixture of recent migrants and Native Americans.” (NIH.gov) This past year we have been inundated with the political denigration of “illegal immigrants.” Although we recognize the importance of having an orderly system for receiving those who come across our borders, our focus now is to see these people – today’s immigrants to our country – for who they are. They are a lot like our own forebearers who came here decades or centuries ago in search of safety, opportunity, and freedom. With just a bit of imagination, we can look at today’s immigrants and see in them our own parents, great-great grandparents, or even in ancestors unknown to us. So, if you raised your hand (as I did), perhaps the next time you read media critical of recent immigrants, you will think about a family member of yours who once did the same thing.

Supporters of immigrants from the Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande gather for the March and Vigil for Human Dignity in El Paso, Texas, March 21, 2024. Photo: Lee Curtis

Episcopalians across the United States are committing to protecting and supporting immigrants after President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated Jan. 20, following a campaign in which Trump amplified anti-immigrant rhetoric, vowed to deport millions of immigrants and embraced false and dehumanizing stereotypes about immigrant communities.

“All of us who live along the [U.S.-Mexico] border are deeply concerned and passionate about how to care for our neighbors … and we’re deeply concerned about anything that might not recognize that every person is created in God’s image and deserves to have their human dignity respected,” San Diego Bishop Susan Brown Snook told Episcopal News Service in a phone interview. Her Southern California diocese is one of four Episcopal dioceses touching the border, along with Arizona, Rio Grande and West Texas.

In December, Snook signed a joint statement with Arizona Bishop Jennifer Reddall, Navajoland Bishop Barry Beisner and other Christian leaders with jurisdiction in Arizona to call for dignified immigration reform while also expressing concern for the mistreatment of undocumented people and the raiding of places of worship to arrest and deport migrants.

A transgender pride flag is displayed at a booth during Portland Pride on July 21, 2024, in Portland, Oregon. Photo: Jenny Kane/AP

One week ahead of Inauguration Day, over 400 Episcopalians gathered live via Zoom to learn about the current U.S. legislative environment and what they can do to protect and support transgender and nonbinary people over the next four years.

In a historic move Friday, Sacramento State announced its new Native American College, a first of its kind in the California State university system. 

The college, a co-curricular institution housed at Sacramento State, will support Native-based education with a focus on leadership and career building. It will offer a diverse range of programs that integrate "tribal values, traditions and community engagement," according to a press release.

Jimmy Carter Constantly Put His Faith in Action

The Living Church Commentary I Frank Logue I December 29, 2024

Anwar Sadat, Jimmy Carter, and Menachem Begin meet at Camp David on September 6, 1978. | Wikipedia

With the death of former President Jimmy Carter, the world has lost a humanitarian of global reach and a follower of Jesus who put his faith into action in uncommon ways. More than any American president, Carter’s life after the White House has defined his legacy more than his presidency. The return home was difficult for Jimmy and Roslyn Carter, who had been wounded by losing a second term in office. When their return to public life did come, that second act, freed from politics, was more deeply infused with their faith in Jesus.

Some of their second act was international. Rather than building just a presidential library, they created the Carter Center in Atlanta to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope.” When I visited Rwanda in 2015, I learned of how the center had worked for decades to eradicate a problem I had never heard of — Guinea worm disease. It affected 3.5 million people each year in 21 countries in Africa and Asia when the center started working on the problem in 1986. In 2022, only 13 cases of the disease were reported in humans.

Part of Jimmy Carter’s global legacy came in his personally working to provide low-cost housing. The iconic image of Carter was of him wielding a hammer on one of the more that 4,300 Habitat for Humanity builds he took part in across 35 years.

• Encourage the New Congress to Protect the Vulnerable
• Tell Congress You Oppose Mass Deportations
• Protect Dreamers
• Say "No" to Expanding Detention
• End Gun Violence
• Advance the Study of Reparations
• Combat HIV/AIDS Globally
• Help Guarantee Reproductive Rights
• Support LGBTQ+ Equality
• Support Environmental Stewardship

For more information, contact Bob Wohlsen, Advocacy Team Chair, bob.wohlsen@gmail.com.

The Episcopal Diocese of Northern California

The Commission for Intercultural Ministries

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