July 29, 2020
Dear East Tennessee Friends,
I am writing you today to make you aware of the membership of the Becoming Beloved Community Task Force for our Diocese. My prayer and hope is that this group of leaders will guide our work in Becoming Beloved Community, the Church-wide initiative of anti-racism efforts in and through the Episcopal Church. The work of anti-racism is rooted in our baptismal promises “to strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.”
The Task Force includes:
The Rev. Claire Brown
The Rev. Gayle Browne
The Rev. Lou Parsons
The Rev. RJ Powell
The Very Rev. John Ross
The Rev. Johnny Tuttle
Ms. Amy Arrowsmith
Mr. Glenn Bowden
Ms. Lenora Corbin
Ms. Sinead Doherty
Ms. Beverly Hurley Hill
Mr. Michael Moore
Ms. Sylvia Peters
Ms. Diana Tucker
The Rev. Tim Holder (liaison from Bishop & Council)
Please keep these good persons in your daily prayers.
Let me also say a personal word. You all elected me the 5th Bishop of this Diocese on July 28th, 2017. Three years have now past since that day. I do not believe any of us saw a global pandemic heading our way. This plague season has challenged all of us to keep nurturing bonds of affection and embody a renewed Church in the midst of upheaval. I give thanks for you all and your continued trust in the Living God who continues to lead us, even now. Especially, now.
Pray for me. Pray for each other. Pray for our fragmented world, in need of healing and hope.
Peace,
+ Brian