Support our work.
The Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee is dedicated to promoting racial healing, justice, and reconciliation within our communities.
Established during the 43rd Diocesan Convention in November 2024, the commission builds upon the foundational work of the previous task force to address the sin of racism and its historical roots in our Diocese.
Guiding Principles
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Grounding its work in the teachings of Jesus Christ and Scripture, including the guiding verse from Galatians, the West Tennessee Becoming Beloved Community Commission operates under the following principles:
Historical Examination: Investigating the Diocese’s historical involvement in racism and slavery to acknowledge and understand injustices
Education and Dialogue: Creating opportunities for prayer, study, and open dialogue about racism, including book studies, film viewings, special liturgies, and Bible studies
Community Engagement: Encouraging active participation from all Episcopalians in the Diocese to support the commission’s ongoing ministry through prayer and involvement in its initiatives
Our History
The Becoming Beloved Community Commission of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee has evolved through a series of significant milestones.
Fall 2021 - Episcopal Mutual Ministry Review
In October 2021, a diocesan review identified the need for focused racial healing work, highlighting the importance of addressing systemic racism within the Diocese.
2022 - Discernment & Study
In the 2022 Bishop’s Missionary Appeal, the Diocese announces intent to begin the process of reviewing other diocesan racial reconciliation initiatives in order to discern what would be most appropriate in our context
Fall 2023 - Calling of Task Force on Racial Healing
Bishop Phoebe convened a diocesan task force in 2023 to actively address systemic racism and historical injustices within the Diocese.
January 2024 - Consultation with Dr. Catherine Meeks
In early 2024, the task force consulted with Dr. Catherine Meeks, former Executive Director of the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing, to gain insights and guidance on developing the diocese’s racial healing initiatives.
Through the Summer of 2024, the Task Force continues to meet to discern their work.
November 2024 - Establishment of the Commission
During the 43rd Diocesan Convention, the task force was formally established as the Becoming Beloved Community Commission, underscoring the Diocese’s long-term commitment to dismantling racism and building a more inclusive church.
Engage
As the BBCWTN Commission begins its work, it aims to connect with people from across the Diocese. Stay informed by subscribing to the Diocesan Communicator. If you have ideas to share, please reach out to Emily Austin, Director of Communications and Community Engagement.
