Dear Friends in Christ,

This season of Epiphany, I invite you to participate in the 2025 Bishop’s Missionary Appeal (BMA).

In 2021, our diocesan leadership team determined that we should focus our efforts on small congregations, children and youth, and racial healing. The area which has received the least attention during my tenure as Bishop is racial healing. Last January, I convened a group of 10 Episcopalians from our diocese to begin a conversation about how we might approach this complex topic. The population of Shelby County, which is the largest county in the Diocese of West Tennessee, is 40 percent white and 60 percent people of color. However, our congregations do not reflect this diversity.

The work of the task force has been guided by Galatians 3:28: “there is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.

It is important to examine our past not to cast blame but rather to facilitate healing and to create a welcoming environment for people from all backgrounds and walks of life.

The task force members met with Dr. Catherine Meeks, the former director of the Absalom Jones Episcopal Center for Racial Healing, in February 2024 to solicit her input. We have been encouraged by Calvary and Grace-St. Luke’s commitment to examining their respective histories.

We also reached out to representatives of the Diocese of Tennessee’s Racial Reconciliation Commission to learn about their initiatives.

At the 2024 Diocesan Convention, a resolution establishing a Becoming Beloved Community (BBC) Commission in the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee was approved. This resolution directs the bishop to appoint 12 individuals to serve on the BBC Commission. The purpose of the BBC Commission is to identify opportunities for all persons in the Diocese to commit themselves in prayer, study and dialogue regarding the ways in which we have failed to respect the dignity of every human being and to recommit ourselves to fully living into the promises contained in our baptismal covenant.

Funds raised as part of the 2025 BMA will enable the BBC Commission to begin their work this year. In addition to examining our history, the BBC Commission is considering book studies, film viewings, special liturgies and Bible studies.

Traditionally, a contribution of at least $1,000 has been requested for the BMA. If you are able to give at that level, please do so. However, no amount is too small and any gift is greatly appreciated. You can send a check to the Diocese or give safely and securely on our website.

There are other ways of donating, including gifts of appreciated stock. The Diocese has a brokerage account to which these gifts can be made, so please call our office for that information and let us know the security you intend to give as well as the approximate amount of that gift. Individuals who are currently over the age of 70.5 can make gifts from your IRA required minimum distribution. Before choosing either of these options, check with your tax or financial advisor to be sure these methods of giving are appropriate for your current financial situation.

On this Feast of the Epiphany, we celebrate the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles. Jesus came to earth to bring salvation to people of every nation, tribe, people and language. Because no group is exempt from God’s love, we have been commissioned to share the love with others. If you are interested in learning more about the work of the BBC Commission, please contact me upon my return from sabbatical in April 2025.

Peace,

The Rt. Rev. Phoebe A. Roaf

 

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