Racial Reconciliation and Social Justice Ministries
Social justice promotes fairness and equity across all aspects of our society. The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is committed to the continued work toward the goals of social justice.
God’s call to reconciliation and justice is seen most profoundly in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus sought to bridge divisions that fracture the Body of Christ. By engaging intentionally in the work of racial reconciliation, we continue the work of seeking to love God, neighbor, and self.
This is a ministry to promote and publicize the work of racial reconciliation and to offer opportunities for individuals and communities of faith to engage in the necessary work of acknowledging, naming, engaging, and dismantling systems of oppression born of chattel slavery within the Diocese of Missouri.
The Rev. Shug Goodlow is the Missioner for Racial Reconciliation and Justice.
The Missioner will serve as a part of the newly constituted Leadership Team of the Dismantling Racism Commission.
Responsibilities of the Racial Reconciliation and Justice Missioner
The Missioner’s responsibilities shall include:
- Working consultation with the Dismantling Racism Commission of the Diocese.
- Provide resources to communities of faith within the Diocese around direct actions to promote racial reconciliation and justice.
- Establish a clearinghouse of resources that can be used by individuals and communities that within the Diocese.
- Offer a theological understanding of racial justice and healing that recognizes the image of God in every human being.
- Represent the Bishop and/or Diocese at events that promote racial reconciliation and healing.
- Preach and teach in communities of faith that make up the Diocese.
- Submit an annual report to the Diocesan Convention.
- Offer presentations to Diocesan Council, which highlight the ongoing work of racial reconciliation within the Diocese.
Anti-Racism Covenant
Within his first few months as Bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, the Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson wrote an anit-racism covenant, inviting people of faith to actively seek equality and justice in our communities.
Congregational Social Justice Ministries
Many parishes in the Diocese of Missouri have established congregational ministries to work for racial justice. The DCDR encourages all faith communities to create such ministries.
Read More »Dismantling Racism Commission
As people living our baptismal covenant, we see our diocese reconciled to God by challenging racism in ourselves and society. The Commission for Dismantling Racism is made up of lay and clergy members and friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri committed to the work of social justice.
Read More »Episcopal City Mission
Episcopal City Mission (ECM) is a ministry providing hope and healing to youth in detention centers in St. Louis City and County. Chaplains offer ecumenical spiritual programs, guidance and support, and a ministry of presence to youth in the juvenile justice system.
Read More »Union of Black Episcopalians
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri is proud to announce the formation of The Rev. Emery Washington Midwest Chapter of The Union of Black Episcopalians.
Read More »Violence Prevention
The Episcopal Diocese of Missouri has been a leading voice advocating for sensible gun regulation and developing resources for the care of victims of violence in its many contexts.
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Assistant Rector, St. Martin's Episcopal Church, Ellisville
Associate to the Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, Central West End/St. Louis
Commission Co-facilitator
Commission Co-facilitator
