Partners
The Union of Black Episcopalians
“Set us free, O God, from every bond of prejudice and fear…that we may show forth in our lives the reconciling love and true freedom of God…”
God acts on the behalf of the oppressed…
The Union of Black Episcopalians stands in the continuing tradition of more than 200 years of Black leadership in the Episcopal Church.
Beginning with the establishment of St. Thomas Episcopal Church by Absalom Jones in 1794 in the city of Philadelphia through the election of Barbara Harris as Suffragan bishop of Massachusetts 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 other.
Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black Clergy and Laity, the Union is the proud inheritor of the work of these people and earlier organization, the Convocation of Colored Clergy, the Conference of Church Workers Among Colored People, all dedicated to the ministry of Blacks in the Episcopal Church. The name was changed to the Union of Black Episcopalians in 1971.
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.
Daughters of the King
The Order of the Daughters of the King® is an order for women who are communicants of the Episcopal Church, churches in communion with it, or churches in the historic episcopate but not in communion with it. Our membership currently includes women in the Anglican, Episcopal, Lutheran (ELCA) and Roman Catholic churches.
Our Rule of Life
A rule of life is a self-imposed spiritual discipline practiced daily by an individual. It includes regular and seasonal devotions, both private and public, and is a commitment intelligently and prayerfully considered. A rule of life sets apart an order from other church organizations.
Members of The Order of the Daughters of the King® undertake a Rule of Life, incorporating the Rule of Prayer and the Rule of Service. By reaffirmation of the promises made at Baptism and Confirmation, a Daughter pledges herself to a life-long program of Prayer, Service, and Evangelism, dedicated to the spread of Christ’s Kingdom and the strengthening of the spiritual life of her parish.
Each member’s personal Rule of Life reflects her unique spiritual journey. A Daughter’s Rule of Life is not taken lightly, but is developed prayerfully with God’s guidance. The Rule is not meant to be fixed, but flexible, and should be begun simply and reviewed regularly to accommodate her changing life circumstances and spiritual growth.
Most Daughters find that the discipline of a Rule of Life fosters a deeper relationship with Christ. The commitment made through our vows often serves as a catalyst that draws us closer to the heart of God – transforming our lives and leading us into more dedicated prayer and service for the sake of the One whose cross we wear.
Our Cross
At The Service of Admission, a new Daughter receives the cross of The Order as a mark of her membership. It is a modified Greek Fleury cross, inscribed in Latin, “Magnanimiter Crucem Sustine,” meaning “With heart, mind and spirit uphold and bear the cross.” At the base of the cross are the letters “FHS”, initials that stand for the Motto of The Order: “For His Sake.”
Episcopal Church Women
Since 1871, the National Episcopal Church Women, ECW, have championed women’s rights and the Christian foundation of God and family. They are a ministry of the Episcopal Church and celebrate that Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Their women’s ministry and children’s programs feed, educate, and provide community grants around the world. They are a volunteer organization that creates a legacy for Episcopal Church Women to lead future generations with stewardship in Christ.