Episcopalians could see a lot more programming aimed at racial reconciliation in the next three years if a resolution approved July 11 by the House of Deputies receives funding.
Resolution D002 calls for $5 million in racial reconciliation grants to be allocated across three years to dioceses, agencies, and other entities affiliated with the Episcopal Church. Monies could pay for workshops, speaker series, or “sacred conversations.” Racial reconciliation and evangelism have been priorities of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry since he stepped into the top job in 2015.
Deputies acknowledged that the church might be hard-pressed to find $5 million for grants in the $133.8 million triennial budget, which has not yet been approved by either house. The proposed budget identifies only $1.75 million for racial reconciliation.
“There may not be $5 million in this budget,” said the Rev. Canon John Kitagawa, a deputy from Arizona. “But we could raise these dollars from Episcopal sources. … We must fund ongoing, sustainable formation training.”
D002 has now been approved by both the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops.
G. Jeffrey MacDonald is an award-winning religion reporter, United Church of Christ pastor, church consultant and author of Part-Time is Plenty: Thriving without Full-Time Clergy (WJK Press, 2020). His website is gjeffreymacdonald.com.
