Alvin Blount, Diocesan Archivist and Becoming Beloved Community Initiatives Coordinator, interviews the Rev. Paige Buchholz about her journey through discernment, ordination, and ministry as an LGBTQ+ priest. In addition, Alvin has expanded the Becoming Beloved Community resources. Both the adult resources and the children’s resources have additional listings. Check out the Becoming Beloved Community page.
Read MoreNew Becoming Beloved Community Resources for Adults in July 2022
Anti-racism, Social Justice, and Peace Resources for Adults Diocese of East Tennessee Prepared by Alvin Blount for July 2022 Costs may vary depending on where purchases are made. The Matter of Black Lives: Writing from The New Yorker -Jelani Cobb and David Remnick -hardcover, $18.97 -paperback, $19.99 -Kindle, $16.99 -864 pages -Ecco -2021 -description: This anthology from the pages of The New Yorker provides the reader with stories of triumphs and tragedies regarding Black life in America. According to Cobb,
Read MoreNew Becoming Beloved Community Resources for Children in July 2022
Anti-racism, Social Justice, and Peace Resources for Children Diocese of East Tennessee Prepared by Alvin R. Blount for July 2022 Costs may vary depending on where purchases are made. The Rainbow Parade -Emily Neilson, author, and illustrator -hardcover, $17.99 -Kindle, $10.99 -32 pages -ages 2-5 -Dial Book -2022 -description: You will find this to be a sweet story in the form of a picture book about a family’s first Pride parade experience. Neilson joyfully teaches the reader that there’s
Read MorePray for our General Convention Deputies
Our General Convention Deputies and Bishop Brian Cole are arriving in Baltimore, Maryland today. The 80th General Convention of the Episcopal Church will take place from Friday, July 8th through Monday, July 11th. The schedule is an intense series of legislative sessions from 10:00 am to as last as 9:30 pm as needed. Our deputies will be posting materials on social media throughout their time there. In the following months, we will be posting information following General Convention with reflection
Read MoreStatement on Supreme Court Dobbs decision by Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry
Statement on Supreme Court Dobbs decision by Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry Today the Supreme Court released its decision in the case of Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The court has overturned the constitutional right to abortion that was recognized in the seminal 1973 case Roe v. Wade. While I, like many, anticipated this decision, I am deeply grieved by it. I have been ordained more than 40 years, and I have served as a pastor in poor communities;
Read MoreIntroducing a New Parish Support Specialist, a Reconciling Thought
In his latest Reconciling Thought, Bishop Brian Cole introduces us to the newest addition to the diocesan staff, Emily Kirk, who will be joining us as the new Parish Support Specialist beginning August 15. Whether you’re visiting our building or calling us with a question, Emily will more than likely be the first person to greet you. Welcome, Emily! Transcript Hi. I’m Bishop Brian. I want to give you an important update on your diocesan staff. Emily Kirk, on August
Read MoreOn the shooting at St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Vestavia Hills, AL
June 17, 2022 On the shooting at St. Stephen’s Episcopal, Vestavia Hills, Alabama Dear East Tennessee Friends, I am writing to you on the morning after the shooting at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Vestavia Hills, Alabama. At present, reports are indicating that two people were killed and one was wounded. This is the latest in mass shootings across our country which have targeted persons of color in a grocery store, children in an elementary school, medical workers in a
Read MoreGeneral Convention 80, a Reconciling Thought
Bishop Brian Cole and The Rev. Leigh Preston, Co-Chair for the East Tennessee deputation to General Convention 80, were in conversation ahead of the July meeting of General Convention. There are many ways to be involved and to stay updated on the work of General Convention. Learn more here. Transcript Bishop Brian Cole Hi. This is Bishop Brian, and I am with Leigh Preston today. Leigh serves as one of our co-chairs of our deputation to the 80th General Convention
Read MoreBishop Sanders Committal
On Saturday, June 4, the remains of The Rt. Rev. William Sanders were committed to the memorial garden at St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, Knoxville. Bishop Sanders, a man who made many long-distance trips to serve the Episcopal community of all of Tennessee and later East Tennessee made his last journey of 60 paces to the memorial garden. Below is the text of Bishop Brian Cole’s sermon as well as the livestream video and photos from the service. Sermon Text The
Read MorePride Mass 2022: Objecting to Rejection
Pride Mass 2022 featured the celebration of both Pride and Pauli Murray, a Queer Episcopal saint who, as Rev. Sen. Kim Jackson pointed out, objected to rejection. Check out the service video below along with photos from the service. You can download a service bulletin here. Thank you to St. James Episcopal Church, Knoxville for your hospitality in hosting this year’s Pride Mass. Thank you also to The Rev. Sen. Kim Jackson, Vicar of Church of the Common Ground in
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