Bl. (Blessed) Absalom Jones holds a special place in history as a pioneer in civil liberty and service. Born into slavery in Delaware in 1746, Jones purchased freedom for his family and began attending St. George’s Methodist Episcopal congregation which was, nominally, an interracial congregation. However, one Sunday, African American congregants were asked to move from their seats on the first floor to the upper balcony – where they would not be seen. Following this incident, Jones left the congregation but continued to be an active member of the Episcopal Church, going on to be ordained as the first African-American Episcopal priest.
Since his death on February 13, 1818, commemorating the Feast Day of Absalom Jones is one symbolic step we can take as a community toward ensuring that such treatment of African Americans – or any “other” group – is not only never repeated but that we proactively and continuously course-correct to avoid it, always striving to improve equality, fairness and representation for all people.
A celebration of Jones’s Feast Day will take place at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church ,6715 N Mockingbird Ln Scottsdale, AZ 85253 Saturday, February 18, 2pm . The service of liturgy and Holy Eucharist is hosted by The Karl and Virginia Washington Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, in partnership with the Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Arizona.
The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Arizona, will preside over the service, with a message from guest preacher the Rev. Vanessa MacKenzie, who grew up in Johannesburg under apartheid. Music by Saint Barnabas featuring Ms. Jackie Island of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Phoenix who will sing “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.”
On Saturday June 3, UBE-AZ held it’s first in-person meeting in over 2 years. Seven members from the Phoenix area made the trip to St. Philips In The Hills in Tucson while 4 others attended via Zoom.
The Karl and Virginia Washington Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians announces that a Eucharist commemorating the life and witness of Bishop Barbara Harris will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 3:00 PM at Trinity Cathedral, 100 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown of the Diocese of Vermont preaching.
The Karl and Virginia Washington Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians and the Daughters of the King regret to announce that due to issues with resources the upcoming Civil Discourse program has had to be postponed. New dates shall be announced in the coming weeks.
Watch the February 19 celebration of Absalom Jones and Black History month.
Click HERE to view the February 19 broadcast announcement and video with music, prayers, homily (The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, Western Region UBE Director and Rector of St. Paul’s, Oakland, CA.), and responses to the homily by Bishop Jennifer Reddall.
Help jump start the future of our youth by assisting the Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) meet our 2021 goal of $9,000. Your donation will help assist two HBCU Episcopal Colleges (St. Augustine’s University in NC and Voorhees College in SC) and provide funds for a recipient of The Judith Conley Seminary Scholarship Fund. Our plans also include providing camperships for our church youth to attend Chapel Rock Camp in Prescott, AZ. Our UBE Chapter is dedicated to helping prepare our youth spiritually as well as intellectually for leadership positions in today’s changing world.
Every February, Americans are invited to think seriously about our nation’s history from the perspective of the African-American experience. Black history is profoundly illuminating: It produces a bright light by which we can make an honest assessment of how well our actions align with the ideals that have led us to proclaim that ours is a special nation. Black History Month is a time that dares us to think about the limitations of the Proud Boys’ white nationalism that excludes the diversity that is one of this country’s strengths. Similarly, it is a time that reminds us that the democratic ideals trumpeted by the 1776 Commission have not been applied equally.
–from New York Times opinion by Jonathan Holloway. Dr. Holloway is the president of Rutgers University, a historian and the author, most recently, of “The Cause of Freedom: A Concise History of African Americans.”
Office of Black Ministries Internalized Oppression Retreats and Workshops Through a series of modules, this internalized oppression curriculum educates participants about institutional, interpersonal, and internal oppression to facilitate a healing process that empowers people for transformational ministry in the name of Jesus. Among the topics covered:
Shame = Silence + Secrecy + Judgment
The lies we’ve told and the new narratives we’re creating
Historical, theological, and social constructs of oppression
Participants are challenged to personally explore their life experiences through a didactic group process that invites them on a journey toward wholeness. For more info click here.
In 1804, Absalom Jones was the first black priest ordained in the Episcopal Church. African Americans have belonged to and financially supported the Episcopal Church since its inception in 1789. Celebrate the contributions of African Americans with us on Sunday, February 21. Use the Contact page to receive an invitation to this Zoom celebration.
Episcopal and Anglican Studies Faculty Position Emory University’s Candler School of Theology invites applications and nominations for a tenure-track position in Episcopal and Anglican Studies to begin in fall 2021. Appointments can be made at any rank, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor. To express your interest in the position, please submit a cover letter and CV only. Candidates’ cover letters should include a brief statement about their experience and approach to teaching and mentoring students of diverse backgrounds. The full job description, as well as particulars regarding the application process, are available here. Any questions regarding this position may be directed to Ian A. McFarland – Chair, Episcopal-Anglican Studies Search Committee (ian.mcfarland@emory.edu)
Our third and last seminar covering the structure of the Episcopal Church will be on Sunday, August 30, at 1 pm. This will be an electronic meeting, so you will need to sign in with the instructions sent out on August 11.
If you did not receive instructions, please use the Contact page to send a message to the meeting organizer.
Preaching Black Lives (Matter) is an anthology that asks, “What does it mean to be church where if Black lives matter?”
Prophetic imagination would have us see a future in which all Christians would be free of the soul-warping belief and practice of racism. This collection of reflections is an incisive look into that future today. It explains why preaching about race is important in the elimination of racism in the church and society, and how preaching has the ability to transform hearts. While programs, protests, conferences, and laws are all important and necessary, less frequently discussed is the role of the church, specifically the Anglican Church and Episcopal Church, in ending systems of injustice.
This is an obvious truth in light of God’s love for all God’s children. But this has not been the experience for many in the U.S. In recent years, young black males were 21 times more likely to be shot dead by police than their white counterparts. Black women in crisis are often met with deadly force. Transgender people of color face greatly elevated negative outcomes in every area of life.
When Black lives are systemically devalued by society, our outrage justifiably insists that attention be focused on Black lives.
The Province VIII Black African Ministries (BAM) Joint Statement on Systemic Racism has been created with other leaders from the Western Region of The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE).
“Cast your vote, not on a partisan basis, not based on your biases, but vote your values. Vote the values of human dignity and equality. Vote the values of the rock on which this country was built. Vote.”
Last Updated: February 17, 2023 by Charley Hudson
Absalom Jones Feast Day
Saturday, February 18, 2023
2:00 pm
Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church
6715 N Mockingbird Ln Scottsdale, AZ 85253
“What we do for the African American community benefits everybody. Anything that knocks down barriers is a good thing.” -Br. Lee Hughes OP
Watch the celebration
Saturday February 18 2:00 PM (MST) online at
https://saintbarnabas.org/jones-live/
Bl. (Blessed) Absalom Jones holds a special place in history as a pioneer in civil liberty and service. Born into slavery in Delaware in 1746, Jones purchased freedom for his family and began attending St. George’s Methodist Episcopal congregation which was, nominally, an interracial congregation. However, one Sunday, African American congregants were asked to move from their seats on the first floor to the upper balcony – where they would not be seen. Following this incident, Jones left the congregation but continued to be an active member of the Episcopal Church, going on to be ordained as the first African-American Episcopal priest.
Since his death on February 13, 1818, commemorating the Feast Day of Absalom Jones is one symbolic step we can take as a community toward ensuring that such treatment of African Americans – or any “other” group – is not only never repeated but that we proactively and continuously course-correct to avoid it, always striving to improve equality, fairness and representation for all people.
A celebration of Jones’s Feast Day will take place at Saint Barnabas Episcopal Church ,6715 N Mockingbird Ln Scottsdale, AZ 85253 Saturday, February 18, 2pm . The service of liturgy and Holy Eucharist is hosted by The Karl and Virginia Washington Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, in partnership with the Episcopal Church’s Diocese of Arizona.
The Rt. Rev. Jennifer A. Reddall, sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Arizona, will preside over the service, with a message from guest preacher the Rev. Vanessa MacKenzie, who grew up in Johannesburg under apartheid. Music by Saint Barnabas featuring Ms. Jackie Island of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Phoenix who will sing “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen.”
Questions? Contact Br. Lee Hughes, OP at hughes.lee.michael@gmail.com
All Are Welcome.
Posted: January 15, 2023 by Charley Hudson
UBE On The Road
Monthly meeting January 14, 2023
Peter’s Episcopal Church, Casa Grande, AZ
Last Updated: September 9, 2022 by Charley Hudson
Civil Discourse: Bridging the Divide
Click HERE to register. Questions? Contact province8bam@gmail.com
Posted: September 9, 2022 by Charley Hudson
UBE-AZ On The Road
On Saturday June 3, UBE-AZ held it’s first in-person meeting in over 2 years. Seven members from the Phoenix area made the trip to St. Philips In The Hills in Tucson while 4 others attended via Zoom.
Posted: May 18, 2022 by Charley Hudson
Eucharist commemorating Bishop Barbara Harris
The Karl and Virginia Washington Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians announces that a Eucharist commemorating the life and witness of Bishop Barbara Harris will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2022, at 3:00 PM at Trinity Cathedral, 100 W Roosevelt St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown of the Diocese of Vermont preaching.
Posted: March 2, 2022 by Charley Hudson
Civil Discourse UPDATE
The Karl and Virginia Washington Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians and the Daughters of the King regret to announce that due to issues with resources the upcoming Civil Discourse program has had to be postponed. New dates shall be announced in the coming weeks.
For questions, please email Cn. Judith Conley at judcon93@yahoo.com or to Br. Lee Hughes, OP at hughes.lee.michael@gmail.com
Last Updated: February 22, 2022 by Fredoug
Lift Every Voice Video
Watch the February 19 celebration of Absalom Jones and Black History month.
Click HERE to view the February 19 broadcast announcement and video with music, prayers, homily (The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Wilson, Western Region UBE Director and Rector of St. Paul’s, Oakland, CA.), and responses to the homily by Bishop Jennifer Reddall.
Last Updated: February 1, 2022 by Fredoug
Go Fund Me
Help jump start the future of our youth by assisting the Arizona Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) meet our 2021 goal of $9,000. Your donation will help assist two HBCU Episcopal Colleges (St. Augustine’s University in NC and Voorhees College in SC) and provide funds for a recipient of The Judith Conley Seminary Scholarship Fund. Our plans also include providing camperships for our church youth to attend Chapel Rock Camp in Prescott, AZ. Our UBE Chapter is dedicated to helping prepare our youth spiritually as well as intellectually for leadership positions in today’s changing world.
Click HERE to donate at our Go Fund Me page.
Posted: February 11, 2021 by Fredoug
Who is Absolom Jones?
Here are the details of his life and struggles.
From UBE national headquarters.
Posted: February 10, 2021 by Fredoug
Isn’t 400 Years Enough?
Every February, Americans are invited to think seriously about our nation’s history from the perspective of the African-American experience. Black history is profoundly illuminating: It produces a bright light by which we can make an honest assessment of how well our actions align with the ideals that have led us to proclaim that ours is a special nation. Black History Month is a time that dares us to think about the limitations of the Proud Boys’ white nationalism that excludes the diversity that is one of this country’s strengths. Similarly, it is a time that reminds us that the democratic ideals trumpeted by the 1776 Commission have not been applied equally.
–from New York Times opinion by Jonathan Holloway. Dr. Holloway is the president of Rutgers University, a historian and the author, most recently, of “The Cause of Freedom: A Concise History of African Americans.”
Posted: February 7, 2021 by Fredoug
Internalized Oppression
Office of Black Ministries Internalized Oppression Retreats and Workshops
Through a series of modules, this internalized oppression curriculum educates participants about institutional, interpersonal, and internal oppression to facilitate a healing process that empowers people for transformational ministry in the name of Jesus.
Among the topics covered:
Participants are challenged to personally explore their life experiences through a didactic group process that invites them on a journey toward wholeness.
For more info click here.
Last Updated: January 26, 2021 by Fredoug
February 21, 2021
In 1804, Absalom Jones was the first black priest ordained in the Episcopal Church. African Americans have belonged to and financially supported the Episcopal Church since its inception in 1789. Celebrate the contributions of African Americans with us on Sunday, February 21. Use the Contact page to receive an invitation to this Zoom celebration.
Posted: January 25, 2021 by Fredoug
The Economic State of Black America 2020
This is a report released by the congressional Joint Economic Committee.
Click here to view the report.
Last Updated: November 20, 2020 by Fredoug
Vocational Discernment Opportunities
Episcopal and Anglican Studies Faculty Position
Emory University’s Candler School of Theology invites applications and nominations for a tenure-track position in Episcopal and Anglican Studies to begin in fall 2021. Appointments can be made at any rank, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, or Professor.
To express your interest in the position, please submit a cover letter and CV only. Candidates’ cover letters should include a brief statement about their experience and approach to teaching and mentoring students of diverse backgrounds. The full job description, as well as particulars regarding the application process, are available here.
Any questions regarding this position may be directed to Ian A. McFarland – Chair, Episcopal-Anglican Studies Search Committee (ian.mcfarland@emory.edu)
Last Updated: October 6, 2020 by Fredoug
Episcopal Structure seminar
Our third and last seminar covering the structure of the Episcopal Church will be on Sunday, August 30, at 1 pm. This will be an electronic meeting, so you will need to sign in with the instructions sent out on August 11.
If you did not receive instructions, please use the Contact page to send a message to the meeting organizer.
Posted: July 25, 2020 by Fredoug
NAACP in Arizona
There are 14 branches of the NAACP in Arizona. To find one near you, click here.
Last Updated: July 25, 2020 by Fredoug
Preaching Black Lives (Matter)
Available at ChurchPublishing.org and Amazon.com
Preaching Black Lives (Matter) is an anthology that asks, “What does it mean to be church where if Black lives matter?”
Prophetic imagination would have us see a future in which all Christians would be free of the soul-warping belief and practice of racism. This collection of reflections is an incisive look into that future today. It explains why preaching about race is important in the elimination of racism in the church and society, and how preaching has the ability to transform hearts. While programs, protests, conferences, and laws are all important and necessary, less frequently discussed is the role of the church, specifically the Anglican Church and Episcopal Church, in ending systems of injustice.
Posted: July 25, 2020 by Fredoug
Why we support Black Lives Matter
This is an obvious truth in light of God’s love for all God’s children. But this has not been the experience for many in the U.S. In recent years, young black males were 21 times more likely to be shot dead by police than their white counterparts. Black women in crisis are often met with deadly force. Transgender people of color face greatly elevated negative outcomes in every area of life.
When Black lives are systemically devalued by society, our outrage justifiably insists that attention be focused on Black lives.
Last Updated: July 25, 2020 by Fredoug
Systemic Racism
The Province VIII Black African Ministries (BAM) Joint Statement on Systemic Racism has been created with other leaders from the Western Region of The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE).
Click here to read the statement.
Last Updated: November 20, 2020 by Fredoug
Vote Faithfully in 2020
“Cast your vote, not on a partisan basis, not based on your biases, but vote your values. Vote the values of human dignity and equality. Vote the values of the rock on which this country was built. Vote.”
– Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
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BLACK LIVES MATTER
UBE Arizona stands with the Black Lives Matter movement.