"We must start with reclaiming our humanity. It's all happening on our watch," said the Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Interim President at the Episcopal Divinity School. Brown Douglas was one of the featured speakers at the Diocese of Missouri's Healing in the Heartland on Saturday, March 16.
This diocesan event was designed to begin a discussion of how we, as Christians, can begin to heal the many divides in our society today. "We live in divided times," said the Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson, Bishop of the Diocese of Missouri. "Like you I often ask, 'What can I do? What difference will I make?' We make a difference when we decide to speak the truth in love, when we choose to be healers of the broken and repairers of the torn. We live in divided times, yet God is doing a new thing in your life and in the life of the Church."
Nearly 200 people gathered at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Creve Coeur, MO, for this one-day event. Another 30+ people joined via livestream. The day began with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist, which included readings in English, Swahili, Kiswahili, Tamil, and Chinese (some of the languages spoken in our diocese). The worship service also included healing ministers who were available for laying on of hands and special prayers. The Rev. Nontombi Naomi Tutu, daughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, served as our preacher. The Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry's office presided at the eucharist.
Following the service, our four special guest speakers shared stories related to our topic of division and healing:
- The Rev. Naomi Tutu - Episcopal priest, activist, and daughter of the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa.
"Love is more than just saying I love you. It's about showing God's love in the world." - The Rev. Traci Blackmon - Ordained UCC minister in St. Louis who became a well-known activist following the murder of Michael Brown in Ferguson 10 years ago.
"There are stories we have not fully told. Seeing the truth is the beginning of healing." - The Rev. John (Jack) Danforth - Episcopal priest, former Missouri Attorney General, U.S. Senator, and U.N. Ambassador, and author of several books.
"This is a time for empathy. This is the time for building bridges." - The Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas - Episcopal priest and the Interim President of the Episcopal Divinity School.
"Don't withhold from another that which you would not withheld from yourself."
After sharing their individual stories, the four speakers came together for a panel discussion led by Bishop Johnson. The group discussed bible readings and images that come to mind during this time in history, addressing politics as the church, and much more.
Healing in the Heartland was intended to be just the beginning of this conversation. The Rev. Aaron Rogers, Young Adult Ministry Developer in the Diocese, introduced a new diocesan ministry called Beautiful Bridges: An Initiative for Sharing the Peace. All churches and communities of faith in the Diocese are invited to be paired with another church or community of faith in the Diocese to explore differences and divides by engaging in one of three studies from The Episcopal Church:
- Make Me an Instrument of Your Peace: A Guide to Civil Discourse
- Becoming Beloved Community
- From Many, One: Conversations Across Difference
The pairs will come together to study, enjoy fellowship, and engage in ministry based on their time together.
"Our communities of worship have a unique role to play as healers, repairers, and restorers," said Bishop Johnson. "A single act of healing put together with countless others overwhelm the world."
A recording of this event will be available soon.
If you are interested in learning more about the Beautiful Bridges initiative, please contact the Rev. Aaron Rogers.
Many volunteers from across the Diocese shared their time and talent to make this event happen. See our gratitude list.
See more pictures from the event on our online photo gallery.