ACT
As Christians, we have promised to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” During this journey, you have seen
that our society has been infected by white supremacy, bigotry, and systemic oppression. Cleaning these wounds and repairing the damage is the next step.
It is not enough to be compassionate.
You must act.
— Dalai Lama, Lhamo Thondup, 14th Dalai Lama
Almighty God, who created us in your own image: Grant us grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom, help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
The Book of Common Prayer, page 260
A HISTORY OF ANTI-RACIST ACTION ON LONG ISLAND
Throughout the 1800’s enslavement was prevalent throughout New York City and on Long Island. There were, however, brave New Yorkers who acted courageously in to help enslaved freedom seekers despite the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, which sought to penalize those who aided runaways.
Abolitionists — largely Quakers— sought to end enslavement and worked to help as many freedom seekers as they could.
I was the conductor of the Underground Railroad for eight years, and I can say what most conductors can't say — I never ran my train off the track and I never lost a passenger.
— Harriet Tubman
Through its Network to Freedom project, the National Park Service is working to recognize as many stops on the Underground Railroad as possible. Click below to see their map as well as an article detailing the activities of abolitionists in New York.
What can you learn from the history of abolition in New York?
REPARATIONS
Part of the discussion surrounding antiracism work is the topic of reparations. While it remains a sensitive topic for many, we should consider what reparations means.
The root of reparations, is repair.
Reparations are payments or forms of compensation offered to the victims—or their descendants—for harm, loss, damage, or grievous injustice.
The United States has offered reparations to Japanese-American incarcerated during World War II and have continuously paid reparations to Indigenous Americans for land appropriations, treaty nullifications, and ongoing injustice.
The US federal government has never offered large scale reparations to the descendants of enslavement.
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.
James 2:26
ARTICLE | The Case for Reparations
In this article, The Case for Reparations, award winning author Ta-Nehisi Coates makes a case for systemic amends to the Black community in response to enslavement, Jim Crow, and the unending discrimination faced by the BIPOC community. The videos below are Coates’ opening statement on reparations at House Judiciary Committee hearing on reparations in 2019, and an interview where he discusses his testimony.
DIOCESE OF LONG ISLAND | REPARATIONS COMMITTEE
The Reparations Committee is a subcommittee of the Diocesan Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island. Its mission is to "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”
The committee was formed in response to the Episcopal Church’s commitment “to become a transformed, anti-racist church and to work toward healing, reconciliation, and a restoration of wholeness to the family of God.” The Committee formed the Barbara C. Harris Scholars Program at the request of Bishop Provenzano with the intent to further equity in education.
DIOCESE OF LONG ISLAND | JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION
The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island celebrates Juneteenth annually at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City. commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.
Bishop Provenzano leads a Prayer of Lament during the Juneteenth Jubilee, as the Church acknowledges its role in slavery in the United States. The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island will reaffirm its commitment to become a “transformed, anti-racist church.” As a Beloved Community of God, the Church is committed to Telling the Truth, Proclaiming the Dream, Practicing the Way of Love, and Repairing the Breach.
The Rt. Rev. Lawrence Provenzano will present the Barbara C. Harris Scholars for Truth and Reparations with their awards as part of the celebratiob . The Scholars Program aims to promote equity in education by providing financial assistance to descendants of enslaved Africans in the United States.
ACTIVITY | Ready to Act
We must understand how brokenness exists among us. Understanding how and where structural racism functions in the cities, towns, and parishes of our Diocese is key to speak truth and change our common future together. To become Beloved Community we must see and know the visible and invisible breaches that live between us and then move towards repair.
Watch the TED talk by Equity Advocate Dwinita Mosby Tyler in November 2019.
After discussion or meditation, consider the following questions and think about your allyship.
How can I fight injustice with a “consciousness of grace” in large or small ways?
What social institutions and systems within my community most clearly bear the signs of racial injustice and brokenness?
How can I participate in the repair, restoration, and healing of people, institutions, and systems?
What is the first step I can take to act on my desire to help heal and repair my community?
To learn about being a more effective ally, look at these resources:
IDEAS FOR ACTION
The Episcopal Church has curated a list of ideas, organizations to join, and guidelines for parishioners ready to act for racial justice, healing, and reconciliation.
Before you commit to any activities, be sure that you are ready to listen to and center the Black, Brown, and or Indigenous communities you plan to serve. Allyship does not rely on perfection, but on listening to the voice of the Holy Spirit within.
Sacred Ground
Sacred Ground is a film and readings-based dialogue series on race, grounded in faith. Small groups are invited to walk through chapters of America’s history of race and racism, while weaving in threads of family story, economic class, and political and regional identity.
The 11-part series is built around a powerful online curriculum of documentary films and readings that focus on Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories as they intersect with European American histories.
Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. This series is open to all, and especially designed to help white people talk with other white people. Participants are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day – all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love
The Sacred Ground program is offered regularly in our diocese. To learn more, please contact Kate Salisbury by clicking the link below.
Becoming Beloved Community Where You Are
Use the Episcopal Church’s resource for churches, groups, and/or individuals interested in becoming directly involved with racial justice and reconciliation work.
Office of Government Relations
Learn about the Episcopal Church’s stance on political policy and legislation and learn how to get involved with campaigns direct action to your elected officials.
The Poor People’s Campaign
The Episcopal Church continues to partner with the Poor People’s Campaign in advocating for truth-telling and social change within the systems of racism, poverty, ecological devastation, and the war economy. Through this important partnership with the Poor People’s Campaign, the Episcopal Church fully embodies the gospel of the Jesus Movement.
Run a White Caucus Group
Craig Elliott created a tip sheet on establishing and running a caucus group for white people interested in becoming involved in racial justice work.
Witness
Learn how to use video and technology to protect and defend human rights.
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
A regularly updated page with resources for white people committed to long-term work for racial justice.