Becoming Beloved Community
The Journey of Becoming Beloved Community
The journey of Becoming Beloved Community leads us through four interrelated commitments drawn directly from our Baptismal Covenant. The following information is from The Episcopal Church’s Becoming Beloved Community Commitment and Plan. BCP Pages 304-305.
Telling the Truth about the Church and Race
Baptismal Promise:
We will persevere in resisting evil, and whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord.
Core Questions:
Who are we?
What have we done and left undone, regarding racial justice and healing?
Initiatives:
Census of the Church
Racial Justice Audit of Episcopal Structures and Systems
Proclaiming the Dream of Beloved Community
Baptismal Promise:
We will proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ
Core Questions:
How can we publicly acknowledge things done and left undone?
What does Beloved Community look like?
What behaviors and commitments foster healing, reconciliation and justice?
Initiatives:
Regional, Public Sacred Listening and Learning Engagements
Practicing the Way of Love
Baptismal Promise:
We will seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbors as ourselves.
Core Questions:
How will we grow as reconcilers, healers and justice-bearers?
How will we actively grow relationships across dividing walls and seek Christ in the other?
Initiatives:
Beloved Community Story-sharing Campaign
Reconciliation and Justice Pilgrimages
Multi-lingual Formation and Training
Liturgical Resources for Healing, Reconciliation and Justice
Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions
Baptismal Promise:
We will strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.
Core Questions:
What institutions and systems are broken?
How will we participate in the repair, restoration and healing of people, institutions and systems?
Initiatives:
Re-Entry Collaboratives with Formerly Incarcerated People Returning to Community
Partnership with Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)