Spirit Group

I grew up in the Episcopal church back in the era with only male priests and acolytes and not being allowed to take communion until after confirmation in the seventh grade. Now all my favorite local rectors are female and everyone comes to the rail for communion or a blessing. I belong to a Spirit Group with friends from a few parishes and we read and discuss various books. Currently we are finishing up Sacred Ground, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. The curriculum is intense with readings, films, and videos along with a study guide. The material has opened our eyes to how little indigenous history, Black history, Latino American history, Asian/Pacific American history, and racial disparities are covered in school. Sacred Ground has created a way to dialogue about race and faith. Today, I call myself an Episcopalian so not to be mistaken for a Christian Nationalist and also to acknowledge that we ordain women and gays, we marry same sex couples in our churches, we can evolve, and we still believe in scripture, tradition, and reason. For me, I try to keep it very simple: love God, love my neighbor.

— KathyV