Union of Black Episcopalians East Tennessee Chapter

We came together in the Spring of 2011 to form the East Tennessee Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians. We are an organization that reflects the new culture and demographics of our communities in East Tennessee. Our diocesan chapter held its first organizational meetings in April, May, and June.

Our mission is to promote solidarity among all colors of people, to participate fully in the life of the diocese, and to affirm our cultures in every aspect of the diocese. We want to promote education, leadership, and fellowship among all people. We seek to prepare both adults and youth for leadership roles in the diocese

Beginning with the establishment of St. Thomas Episcopal Church by Absalom Jones in 1794 in the city of Philadelphia through the election of Barbara Harris as Suffragan bishop of Massachusetts there has always been a strong corps of Black Christians in the Episcopal Church. People like James Holly, Henry Delaney, John Walker, Tollie Caution, Charles Lawrence, Deborah Harmon

Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black Clergy and Laity, the Union is the proud inheritor of the work of these people and earlier organization, the Convocation of Colored Clergy, the Conference of Church Workers Among Colored People – all dedicated to the ministry of Blacks in the Episcopal Church. The name was changed to the Union of Black Episcopalians in 1971.

The Union of Black Episcopalians is a confederation of more than 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean. The Union also has members in Canada, Africa and Latin America.

If you would like more information or would like to join, contact Michael Moore, 865-360-6706, or find us on Facebook at UBE of East Tennessee. All are Welcome!