Home :: Episcopal Diocese of Chicago

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.

Bishops United Calls for Assault Weapons Ban, Prayer of Lamentation

Bishops United Against Gun Violence, of which Bishop Lee is a member, is calling the church to advocate for an assault weapons ban and to offer prayers of lamentation. Read their statement in the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, on the Bishops United website, and follow Episcopalians Against Gun Violence for updates on advocacy actions now being planned.

Transforming Leadership

Bishop Lee gave the keynote address at the 180th convention of the Diocese of Chicago on November 17:

Whenever I think about the topic of leadership, I can't help but remember a presentation I heard many years ago by Parker Palmer—an imaginative retelling of the story of the feeding of the 5000. I think about it often, especially in terms of the kind of ministry I am convinced we need a whole lot more of in the church just now...It's a way of hearing the story that has become precious to me...especially the longer I go on in this bishop business.

Read more or watch a video of the address.

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.

"Now the crisis has spread. On our southern border, children and parents who have come to this country to escape violence and danger are being separated from one another by government agents."

Read the entire letter.