Truth, Reconciliation, and Reparations Task Force @ St. Margaret's
The work of reconciliation is a fundamental calling for the Diocese of Maryland. Reconciliation builds on our understanding of history, provides energy for the present, and forms the foundation to our future as faithful members of the body of Christ. The Diocesan Truth and Reconciliation Commission is an ongoing group focused on enhancing existing efforts to eradicate racism, researching the history of slavery in our diocese and its residual impact, as well as reparations.
For decades, the Diocese of Maryland has been doing its work on racial justice, reconciliation and reparations. In the past few years those efforts have picked up speed. Twenty-six parishes, including St. Margaret's, committed themselves to a journey that would take them deep into their history, illuminate their present and lead them into a future with a renewed commitment to racial reconciliation. The result was a project called the Trail of Souls.
The Rt. Rev. Bishop Eugene Sutton of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland in his May 2019 pastoral letter on Racial Reconciliation, has urged all congregations in the Diocese of Maryland to engage in study, exploration and self-examination on the subject of reparations. St. Margaret's Church formed a task force under the leadership of Elizabeth Kopack and Dan Tootle to collect information on the history of St. Margaret's and share that knowledge with our parish community.
We had an amazing turnout for the first Trust, Reconciliation and Reparations Task Force coffee chat in November. Hard truths were spoken, much listening happened.