“Celebrating the Black Presence in the Episcopal Church.”
The Union of Black Episcopalians stands in the continuing tradition of more than 200 years of Black leadership fighting racism in the Episcopal Church.
Beginning with the establishment of the African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas by Absalom Jones in 1792 in the city of Philadelphia through the appointment and election of more than 35 Black Bishops, there has always been a strong corps of Black leaders in the Episcopal Church. People like James Holly, Henry Delaney, Alexander Crummell, Mattie Hopkins, John Walker, Tollie Caution, Charles Lawrence, Deborah Harmon Hines, and countless others have paved the way.
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 organizations. The Convocation of Colored Clergy, the Conference of Church Workers Among Colored People, all dedicated to justice and the ministry of Blacks in the Episcopal Church. The name was later changed to the Union of Black Episcopalians.
The Union of Black Episcopalians fights racism be encouraging the involvement of Black people in the total life of the truth – on every level and in every way – mission, stewardship, evangelism, education, leadership, governance and politics. The Union is committed yo translating these words into Christian action for all Episcopalians and at all levels of the church.
The Ministry of the Union of Black Episcopalians includes:
- Evangelism
- This encourages greater participation of Blacks in the life of the Church at the parish, Diocesan, Provincial, and National Church levels. And by encouraging our links with others in the world-wide Anglican Communion, particularly with our sisters and brothers in Africa, Canada, and Latin America.
- Communication
- Facilitates information gathering and dissemination designed to educate our members, prepare them for access to ministries in the wider church and create opportunities for them to gain access
- Advocacy
- Action against racism and on issues which effect Black Episcopalians.
- Referrals
- Intentionally suggest Black Episcopal membership on national committees and commissions, search committees and commission.
- Representing
- Inclusive of Black Episcopalians with other people of color, cultural, and special interest groups in the Episcopal Church and in ecumenical circles.
- Lobbying
- Encouraging continued support for the three predominately Black Episcopal Colleges, St. Paul’s, St. Augustine’s University, and Vorhees, and the Office of Black Ministries
- Develops Resources
- [Implements activities and for programs] for leadership training, anti-racism training, chapter development, as well as program initiation
- Youth Leadership Development
- Includes annual meeting and programs for ages 5-12 years old and 13-22 years old in preparation for national church-wide service and ministries
Annual Meeting
One of the highlights of the Union’s program year is the Annual Meeting and Conference held in late June. This three and a half day conference is built around workshops on important issues and business sessions where officers are elected, programs and projects are approved and the annual budget is set. The Annual Meeting is also a great chance for fun and fellowship with Black Episcopalians from across the country.
Chapters
The Union of Black Episcopalians is a confederation of more than 54 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean. The Union also has members in Africa, Canada, and Latin America.
Chapters are the Union’s strongest link in a ministry that functions at the Diocesan, Provincial, and National Church levels. Financial support from the chapters and individual members are the chief support of the Union. The Union, through the supervision of the Nation Board of Directors, helps to organize chapters; however, chapters are encouraged to develop their own local priorities and programs in support of the National UBE Mission and Ministry.
National Administrative Office
- 1225 East McMillan Street, Cincinnati, OH 45206
- (888) 806-5837
- Please feel free to call the national office regarding membership, chapter development, or other programs
- Website: www.ube.org
UBE President
The Very Rev. Kim L. Coleman’s 2021 UBE January President’s Message: Click here to watch
Source: The Union of Black Episcopalians information brochure