RACIAL RECONCILIATION:
Mar k of Mi ssi on 4
THE WAY FORWARD from FERGUSON
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In the wake of the 2014 upheaval in Ferguson, Missouri that thrust Americans into a discussion of racial disparity, division, and reconciliation, the
Missionary Society responded in three phases:
1.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting of Michael Brown,
the Missionary Society provided immediate support to, and coordination with, the response efforts of the Diocese of Missouri. In
addition to building network connections and providing personnel
to support on the-ground work, we awarded a $30,000 grant to the
diocese, and secured an additional $10,000 from Episcopal Relief
& Development, to provide for recovery, rebuilding, and reconciliation.
2.
As events unfolded between August and November, we gathered,
published, and publicized resources for teaching, healing, and reconciliation composed by diverse voices throughout The Episcopal
Church. These are available at http://www.episcopalchurch.org/page/ferguson-way-forward and http://advocacy.episcopalchurch.org/episcopal/AWayForward.
3.
Following the grand-jury decision in November 2014, we published
additional resources (available at the above link), including a congregational-discussion guide for Advent to equip clergy and lay leaders
to engage conversation about the issues raised by Ferguson with children, youth, and adults. Also, within weeks of the grand-jury decision, we sent a Missionary Society delegation to Ferguson to explore
the impact of our engagement and to listen to community leaders
to discern next steps. Finally, we’re beginning to seek partnership
with bishops to establish and resource a standing coalition of leaders
committed to the ongoing engagement of The Episcopal Church in
all places with the questions raised by Ferguson.