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Racial Justice Resources

Last year, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry issued a message to the Episcopal Church saying, "I ask and invite us as congregations and individuals who are together the Episcopal Church of the Jesus Movement to intentionally, purposely, and liturgically rededicate ourselves to the way of Jesus, the work of racial reconciliation, the work of healing and dismantling everything that wounds and divides us, the work of becoming God’s Beloved Community."

Find sermons, articles, and other resources for racial justice and reconciliation, and send your submissions to Jen Boyle-Tucker via email.

Ray Suarez to Keynote Convention

On November 16, Ray Suarez, a prominent journalist, author and lifelong Episcopalian will give the keynote address at the Diocese of Chicago's annual convention.

He will discuss a rapidly approaching tipping point--the year 2044, when demographers predict that a majority of Americans will be members of minority groups--and what it means for the church. "It's going to have a tremendous bearing on the future of The Episcopal Church," says Suarez. "What kind of church do we want to be? If we, as a church, are successful in speaking to that new American mix, we'll be one kind of church. If not, we'll be on life support by the end of the 21st century."

Learn more about convention and register online.

Listening to Women: A Letter from Bishop Lee

In the last several weeks, I have watched and listened as women from all walks of life, both in and out of the church, have demonstrated courage and conviction by sharing their stories of being sexually abused and harassed by men. These women, many of them inspired by the brave and quiet dignity of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, have left me with a profound sense of the brokenness of our current politics and culture in which the damage done by men who abuse women is compounded by dismissal, derision, and sometimes even with mockery. Read more.

From Bishop Lee: Working for Peace with Justice

Dear People of God in the Diocese of Chicago:

Today’s verdict in the trial of Jason Van Dyke for the murder of Laquan McDonald is a long-awaited measure of justice for Laquan’s family and for the many Chicago residents who have struggled to build a system of policing that all citizens can trust and hold accountable.

La sentencia de hoy en el juicio de Jason Van Dyke por el asesinato de Laquan McDonald es una medida de justicia anhelada por la familia de Laquan y por el sinnúmero de residentes de Chicago que han luchado por un sistema de vigilancia en que todos los ciudadanos puedan confiar y hacer responsable.

All of the Body Is Hurting

"More than a year ago, life changed dramatically for immigrants and refugees living in the United States," wrote Bishop Lee on June 17. "Immigration policy became harsher, deportations increased and families, including Episcopalians in our own congregations here in the Diocese of Chicago, began living in unprecedented fear.

Read the entire letter.

Calendar

Hispanic Liturgy with Confirmations
October 20 | St. James Cathedral

Episcopal Church Women Retreat
October 26-28 | DeKoven Center

Companion Diocese Celebration
October 27 | St. Michael's, Barrington

Diocesan Convention
November 16 - 17 | Westin Lombard Yorktown

Fierce Conversations
May 12-15, 2019 | The Nicholas Center

Holy Land Pilgrimage
May 13-24, 2019

College for Congregational Development
June 23-29, 2019 | Loyola Retreat in Woodstock, IL

Camp Chicago
June 30-July 19 , 2019| Camp Stronghold, Oregon, IL

View a complete listing of upcoming diocesan events.