The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
February 2008

Diocese to expand emphasis on anti-racism

The Diocese of Utah is preparing for a new antiracism training and expanding the ministry of equality and justice. The Rev. Canon David Bailey, Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese, says we continue to see issues of "white privilege" and stereotyping of races that must be dealt with by the church. Canon Bailey says we must remember racism simply is not the Gospel message. Father Bailey has undergone training with the national church in anti-racism and is part of a diocesan wide committee studying the issue in Utah.

Diocesan Resolution #5, which passed in 2006, mandated Commission, Committee and Task Force members of the Diocese need to complete anti-racism training. All new priests are already mandated to receive such training on a national level in compliance with a General Convention resolution. The Episcopal Church of America Social Justice Officer, the Rev. Jayne Oasin has conducted several sessions in Utah since 2004. The Rev. Oasin says trainers do not point fingers at people during the training, rather look at an alternative vision of what could be, if we challenge racist attitudes. The Social Justice office calls the program "Seeing the face of God in each other." She applauds the efforts of Canon Bailey and the Utah Diocese for recognizing the need to embrace anti-racism sessions. The Rev. Jayne Oasin says we are compelled by the teachings of Christ to help the oppressed.

Those interested in exploring the issue further can contact The Rev. Canon David Bailey at the Diocese of Utah, or can examine the national church's social justice web page http://www.episcopalchurch. org/social-justice.htm. The Rev. Oasin was extensively interviewed by the Dialogue and we will have more on this subject, as well as Utah committee activity, in our next Dialogue.

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