Uncovering Parish Histories is an antiracism project created by the
Episcopal Diocese of Long Island.
Our Historian in Residence for Racial Justice supports congregations looking into the history of their involvement with slavery, the slavery-driven economy, anti-slavery and abolition movements, and later forms of racial justice or injustice.
At the 2006 General Convention of the Episcopal Church, a resolution was adopted that called on all Episcopal congregations to explore whether they have a history of complicity in the institution of slavery and in deriving economic benefits from it.
About the Uncovering Parish Histories Project
Uncovering Parish Histories Project Reports to the Diocese
The Rev. Dr. Craig Townsend reports to the Diocese of Long Island with representatives from three parishes participating in the project: Zion, Douglaston; St. John’s, Huntington; and Christ Church, Cobble Hill.
Under our current Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the Episcopal Church has renewed that call as part of its Becoming Beloved Community campaign.
The Black Lives Matter movement and the accompanying resurgence of awareness of continued White privilege, forms of White supremacy, and violence and prejudice toward Black Americans by White-dominated structures and populations, has raised this issue at the immediate level of congregations: if a church wishes to participate credibly in ongoing racial justice movements, it needs to begin with awareness and ownership of its own historic participation in the foundations of racial injustice.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Join the Diocese of Long Island’s Antiracism and Racial Justice movement. Stay apprised of lectures, seminars, and other special events for the Uncovering Parish Histories Project.
Join the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island on an antiracism journey of healing and discovery to learn how we can come together to truly embody the Beloved Community of Jesus Christ.