About Us
The Union of Black Episcopalians stands in the continuing tradition of over 200 years of black leadership in the Episcopal Church.
Beginning with the establishment of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Philadelphia by Absalom Jones in 1794, through the elections of Barbara Harris as Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts in 1998 and Michael Curry as Presiding Bishop and Primate in 2015, 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 Hines, and countless others.
The Union was formed on February 8, 1968, by a group of African-American clergy who met in St. Philip’s Episcopal Church to identify the church with the growing Black Power movement in their communities. The desire to articulate the problems of minority populations had been expressed by the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity. However, it was felt that its agenda was influenced largely by white Episcopalians, and did not necessarily express the aspirations of African-Americans.
Today, 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.
Click here to learn more about the Union of Black Episcopalians organization.
Our Mission
To Unify the diverse cultures, concerns, and gifts of Black Episcoplians by offering preparation and encouragement for living the Baptismal Covenant and actively participating in the mission and governance of the Episcopal Church.
Our Vision
To promote strong lay leadership among communities of African Descent within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. To be a community committed to vigilance and action on issues of injustice, especially the impact of racism in the Church and society.
“We are here in a world struggling to find its soul, but the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not, cannot, and will not overcome it.”
— Former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry
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