Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black Clergy and Laity, the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) is dedicated to the ministry of Blacks in the Episcopal Church.
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.
UBE in West Tennessee
Swazoo Claybon, Jr., President
Established in 1987, the Bishop Edward Thomas Demby Chapter serves the geographic footprint of our diocese as well the area that includes Forrest City, Arkansas.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Romans 5:1
Real peace is only found in Jesus. It is important to note that angels didn’t go to the kings or the priests but to the shepherds to sing the good news of Jesus and the coming of peace and goodwill to all of mankind with the inclusion of the lowly shepherds. It is through this announcement that we acknowledge our call to both peace and goodwill toward men. This includes both peace and equality in the name of Jesus for the lowly and left out. Goodwill is defined as dependable benevolence and true kindness. The birth of Jesus is a call to a life of peace and goodwill to all men in the kingdom of God. This peace and goodwill are shown by being dependable in benevolence, truth, and kindness as we do the will of God through Jesus in this transitory life.
Purpose
As Christians who engage in holy communion in the Episcopal Church, we believe that “the Spirit of the Lord” calls us to proclaim the Lord’s favor to the poor and to the oppressed. In addition, we believe the legacy of slavery has left intergenerational harm upon a community that is still in need of Christian benevolence and true kindness. For this purpose and in the tradition of the Episcopal Church, we will continue to carry out our baptismal covenant in the Bishop Edward Thomas Demby Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians.
Vision
Unity in our Community
Working to improve the quality of life of communities that are defined as “the least of these,” especially those that are still recovering from the legacy of slavery in the Americas and beyond
Mission
Be a light in the world by being a positive Christian force for improvements in the Church, Community, Children, Creation, and Charity
Church
Through the Church, the wisdom of God is made known.
Community
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works…
Children
Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it…
Creation
We are stewards of the earth, summoned by God to work it and take care of it…
Charity
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was…
