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Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination

The mission and goals of the Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination are “to promote greater understanding, training and practice of dismantling racism and furthering reconciliation and justice, both by laity and clergy within the Church.”

Learn More about the Commission

Standing on Holy Ground: Diocesan Partnership Pilgrims Visit Alabama

Last week, Bishop Sean and 22 people from the diocesan partnership traveled to Alabama to visit key sites from the Civil Rights Movement and learn about the history of racism and racial violence. Organizers hope the journey will become a regular pilgrimage for people from our dioceses. The Rev. Kim Rossi of St. Stephen’s, Olean,…

Prayers of the People for Healing and an End to Gun Violence

Sunday, May 14, which is Mother’s Day, marks the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Tops grocery store in Buffalo that claimed the lives of ten people and injured three others. On that day, the Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination invites congregations to extend prayers for those who lost their lives, those…

Faith and Action Funding Now Available

The Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination is offering funding to congregations with initiatives inspired by the Commission’s Pledge of Faith and Action Against Racial Injustice: LEARN―PRAY―ACT. Congregations holding a book study related to dismantling racism or other forms of discrimination, hosting guest speakers, or visiting a historic site or museum like the Niagara Falls Underground…

Becoming Beloved Community: Here and Now Lenten Study

The Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination has developed a five-part Lenten series titled “Becoming Beloved Community: Here and Now.” The materials, which are based on the 2020 diocesan convention resolution titled “Framing the Journey to Beloved Community” are now available: Download the Lenten program. For more information, email Canon Twila Smith.

An Interview With Mr. Thomas Ashford of St. Peter’s, Niagara Falls

In his 2022 convention sermon, Bishop Sean mentioned Mr. Thomas Ashford, warden emertius of St. Peter’s Niagara Falls and the thurifer for this year’s convention Eucharist. When Mr. Ashford first came to St. Peter’s in 1951, he was rebuffed by the parish’s leaders and told that he would have to have a white sponsor in…

Embodied Anti-Racism: How Mindfulness Practices Combat Racism

“Each of us is carrying racism,” said Gabrie’l Atchison, “and the way that racism exists within society is carried within each of our bodies.” Last Sunday, Atchison, who serves as both missioner for administration on the staff of the partnership dioceses and president of the Bishop James Theodore Holly Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, offered…

“It’s Like A Fish Not Knowing He’s in Water”

Joseph Croskey, a member of Christ Church in Oil City, is experienced in the slow work of dismantling racism in a predominantly white community. “Even close friends here in rural western Pennsylvania will say ‘I don’t understand what Black people are talking about. I’ve got it hard, so does everybody else, and I don’t do…