"Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
​I will, with God's help."
​Book of Common Prayer, page 305

Diocesan Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission

Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina
​The Diocesan Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission was formed in the Diocese of South Carolina in October 2020 to allow us to unify our efforts and broaden and strengthen our common work.

​The Commission is comprised of clergy and laity of all races, from across the geographical territory of the diocese.

​The overarching aim of the commission is to strive to reflect the beloved community across the diocese.  More specific goals of the commission include:
  • To promote racial justice within our churches, across our diocese, and beyond.
  • To increase awareness of the racial history of our diocese.
  • To enable racial reconciliation across the diocese.
  • To build collaborative relationships around racial justice with other faith communities.
  • To increase the stability of the African-American churches of our diocese.
  • To plan and facilitate training opportunities for both diocesan leadership and the wider diocese.

Learn More

Commission Members
​Commission Videos
Episcopal Church Resources
​Other Resources
Commission Events
​Sacred Ground

Publications

Booklet a Selection of African American Figures in the Diocese of South Carolina
Click the image to view the booklet as a .pdf
Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission brochure - Click here

Commission Members

Contact Info:
  • Tater Beak, Grace Church Cathedral
  • The Rev. Deacon Marionette Bennett, Calvary, Charleston
  • Tommy Bultman, Good Shepherd, Sumter
  • ​The Rev. Michael Crandall, St. George’s, Summerville
  • Thaddeus Daise, St. Francis, Edisto Island
  • Gail DeCosta, Grace Church Cathedral
  • John Gardner, Calvary and Grace Church Cathedral, Charleston
  • Kathlyn Gray, St. Mark’s, Port Royal
  • Harriett Green, Good Shepherd, Sumter
  • Ellen Hardin, St. Mark’s, Charleston
  • Mildred Keith, Epiphany, Summerville
  • Minerva King, St. Mark's, Charleston
  • Nancy Laprade, Holy Cross Faith Memorial, Pawleys Island
  • The Rev. Cn. Ramelle McCall, Diocesan Staff
  • Raymond Oberg, Good Shepherd, Summerville
  • Vermelle Simmons, Calvary, Charleston
  • Keith Williamson, St. Bartholomew’s, Hartsville
  • The Rt. Rev. Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, Diocese of South Carolina
Co-chair: Gail DeCosta
​Co-chair: Vermelle Simmons

Learn More About the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission

In the video above, learn more about the Racial Justice & Reconciliation Commission in the video above featuring Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley, with details about the 2022 offering of the Sacred Ground program and plans for the future.
In the video above, watch Commission co-chairs engage in a conversation with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry during an event that was part of our 230th Diocesan Convention in November 2020. The group talked about the issues facing our nation and the world.

The Episcopal Church: Understanding Becoming Beloved Community

The Episcopal Church’s work toward racial reconciliation, healing and justice is guided by the long-term commitment to Becoming Beloved Community. We organize our ministries around the four quadrants of the labyrinth. Each quadrant represents a commitment that is vital to lasting change within us, our churches, our communities and society at large.
  • Truth-telling: Telling the Truth about Our Churches and Race
  • Proclamation: Proclaiming the Dream of Beloved Community
  • Formation: Practicing Jesus’ Way of Healing Love 
  • Justice: Repairing the Breach in Society and Institutions