More Than 20 Members of the Diocese Complete Anti-racism Training

On September 14-15, members of our diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission partnered with leaders from the Absalom Jones Center for Racial Healing to once again offer the Pilgrimage of Racial Healing program in our diocese. This program fulfills an important past mandate from General Convention, urging all dioceses to engage in “anti-racism” training. As explained on their webpage, “this training aims to foster greater racial understanding, promote healing, and build reconciliation within our church and community.”

Inspiring leaders from the Absalom Jones Center provided support to 12 pilgrim leaders from our diocese in offering this training session, which was attended by more than 20 members of our diocese. The training was held at St. James, Charleston on James Island.

Participants journeyed from Myrtle Beach, Denmark, Summerville, and Charleston to take part in this meaningful experience, which focused on building leadership skills to nurture a beloved community rooted in dignity. It warmly invites everyone to embrace their baptismal calling — to seek justice and peace for all and to respect each person’s dignity. This curriculum provides leaders with practical tools that align beautifully with our baptismal covenant and are guided by scripture. Through our shared faith, participants are encouraged to reflect, share, and find active ways to challenge racism and other unjust systems, all working together to restore justice.

The Diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission is excited to introduce this program to our four deaneries within the diocese next year, so stay tuned for more updates.