We are an inclusive and diverse body of Christians who:
Stand to unify the diverse cultures, concerns, and gifts of Black Episcopalians in Arizona and to become a community of action against systemic racism.
Stand to advocate for the African diaspora within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and The Episcopal Church.
Spiritually awaken Episcopalians to Christ-like inclusion and to incorporate Blackness in the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and The Episcopal Church.
Be a community of action against matters of injustice and racism and to proclaim that “Black Lives Matter” in the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and The Episcopal Church.
Promote strong Black/African American leadership (lay and ordained) within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and The Episcopal Church.
Encourage the discernment of clergy and religious vocations among young men and women of the African diaspora within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and The Episcopal Church.
Increase the deployment of Black clergy within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and The Episcopal Church.
Provide education to further this mission and vision to ourselves and others within the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona and The Episcopal Church.
GOALS FOR 2021
Reach out to Episcopalians across the state via:
zoom fellowship meeting.
Absalom Jones celebration in February
guest speakers in June, September, and December
Provide financial support to two African American students pursuing a degree toward Episcopal clergy.
Expand our participation in local (Arizona) mission work.
OUR HISTORY
The Union of Black Episcopalians stands in the continuing tradition of over 200 years of black leadership in the Episcopal Church.
Beginning with the establishment of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Philadelphia by Absalom Jones in 1794, through the election of Barbara Harris as Suffragan bishop of Massachusetts, there has always been a strong corps of black Christians in the Episcopal Church – people like James Holly, Henry Delaney, John Walker, Tollie Caution, Charles Lawrence, Deborah Harmon Hines, and countless others.
The union was formed on February 8, 1968, by a group of African-American clergy who met in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church to identify the church with the growing Black Power movement in their communities. The desire to articulate the problems of minority populations had been expressed by the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity. However, it was felt that its agenda was influenced largely by white Episcopalians, and did not necessarily express the aspirations of African-Americans.
The Union of Black Episcopalians is a confederation of more than 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean. The Union also has members in Canada, Africa and Latin America.
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MISSION STATEMENT
We are an inclusive and diverse body of Christians who:
VISION STATEMENT
Our vision is to:
GOALS FOR 2021
OUR HISTORY
The Union of Black Episcopalians stands in the continuing tradition of over 200 years of black leadership in the Episcopal Church.
Beginning with the establishment of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Philadelphia by Absalom Jones in 1794, through the election of Barbara Harris as Suffragan bishop of Massachusetts, there has always been a strong corps of black Christians in the Episcopal Church – people like James Holly, Henry Delaney, John Walker, Tollie Caution, Charles Lawrence, Deborah Harmon Hines, and countless others.
The union was formed on February 8, 1968, by a group of African-American clergy who met in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church to identify the church with the growing Black Power movement in their communities. The desire to articulate the problems of minority populations had been expressed by the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity. However, it was felt that its agenda was influenced largely by white Episcopalians, and did not necessarily express the aspirations of African-Americans.
The Union of Black Episcopalians is a confederation of more than 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean. The Union also has members in Canada, Africa and Latin America.
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BLACK LIVES MATTER
UBE Arizona stands with the Black Lives Matter movement.