Celebrating Black History Month 2022 | Episcopal Diocese of Missouri

The Diocese of Missouri is pleased to celebrate Black History Month with a special video series featuring sermons from God's Trombones: Seven Negro Sermons in Verse, by James Weldon Johnson.

Drawing from the sights and sounds of his childhood, James Weldon Johnson sought to capture the passion and persuasive artistry of what he called African American folk sermons. He named this work God's Trombones because he thought trombones represented the broad range of human emotions expressed through human voice.

Along with this beautiful work of literature, James Weldon Johnson also authored the hymn Lift Every Voice and Sing.

Throughout the month of February, several of our African American clergy persons will perform a rendition of one of the sermons in God's Trombones. Each video is introduced by the Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson, the first Black bishop of the Diocese of Missouri.

We hope this series inspires you, deepens your own commitment to reconciliation, and broadens your awareness of God's love for all people.

The Rev. Joe Thompson, Director of Multicultural Ministries and Assistant Professor of Race and Ethnicity Studies,
Virginia Theological Seminary

The Rev. Renee Fenner, Rector
The Episcopal Church of All Saints and Ascension, Northwoods / St. Louis

The Rev. Aaron Rogers, Associate to the Rector
Trinity Episcopal Church, Central West End / St. Louis

The Rev. Erika Essiem, Priest-in-Charge
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Ferguson

Please consider making a donation to the Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs:

Make a donation online
text GIVEHBCU to 41444

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