One of the highlights of Black History Month for the Episcopal Church is remembering the Rev. Absalom Jones. In 1794 Jones founded the first black Episcopal congregation, and in 1802 he was the first African American to be ordained as a priest in the Episcopal Church of the United States
Absalom Jones Observance 2021 in the Diocese of California
Saturday, February 20, 2021, 10:00 am to 11:00 am
On behalf of the diocesan African Anglican Commission and the Northern California/Vivian Traylor Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, you are invited to the 2021 Absalom Jones Observance. The theme will be Women in Ministry with a keynote by the Rev. Jacqueline A. Thomas, Sr. Pastor, Allen Temple Baptist Church.
Other Resources on Absalom Jones:
- The Episcopal Church sponsors the Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs which supports two institutions affiliated with The Episcopal Church since the 1800’s.
- The Episcopal Diocese of NY is sponsoring a panel discussion, Absalom Jones and the Essential Worker: Yellow Fever 1793 – COVID 2020, Wednesday, February 10, 2021, 6:30 pm ET, 3:30 PT. This panel will discuss the importance of Absalom Jones’ work during the yellow fever epidemic of 1793. Fast-forward to the current pandemic, panelists discuss Jones’ responses to the overall crisis and lessons learned, while examining essential opportunities for strengthening community ties during these trying times.
- Lent Madness is a fun way to learn about the saints of the church during the Lenten season. Each day during Lent, two saints are pitted against each other through fascinating stories of their life and work – and the reader votes for their favorite. In this way, the field of 32 is reduced to one winner – and perhaps Absalom Jones this year!
In case you missed it, on Monday, January 18, Grace Cathedral held a forum on Martin Luther King, Jr. and Faith: Justice and Hope. This panel discussion with Clayborne Carson of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford and Eva Paterson of Equal Justice Society, was moderated by Bishop Marc. Click here for more information and to watch the forum.
Sign up for 28 Days of Black History – A virtual exhibition of 28 works that celebrate Black legacy in the U.S. For another resource, sign up for the daily emails from Anti Racism Daily.
Consider using the Sacred Ground program in your church. Over 50 Sacred Ground circles have been formed in the diocese with hundreds participating. More circles are starting this spring. Contact Amy Cook if you are interested in more information.