The New Great Commission: Reparations
In the resonant cadences of our liturgical chants, the Episcopal ethos beckons us to heed the clarion call of Micah: "do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with our God." As stewards of the Anglican tradition, we are uniquely positioned within the tapestry of Christendom, bearing both the weight of historical complicity and the promise of transformative grace.
The concept of reparations, deeply rooted in the sacramental life of the Church, transcends mere monetary restitution. It is a Eucharistic offering, a holistic approach aimed at achieving "full repair" for the Descendants of Africans who were Enslaved in the United States (DAEUS). This repair, echoing the sanctity of the Baptismal Covenant, extends to the realms of education, health, and spiritual healing. The Episcopal Church, with its patrimonial endowments and canonical heritage, is poised to champion this reparative endeavor.
Our desire for reparations does not stem merely from an ecclesiastical mandate but a theological imperative. The Book of Common Prayer, that venerable tome of Anglican worship, underscores the sanctity of penance and reconciliation. In this context, reparations emerge as the tangible manifestation of our collective penitence, a step towards the reconciliation enshrined in our collective faith.
Historically, the Episcopal Church's stance on slavery and subsequent systemic racism stands as a testament to our lapses in upholding the Gospel's tenets. While other Christian traditions took decisive stances, the Anglican Communion, particularly in the American context, often sidestepped the moral quagmire, framing it as a temporal issue rather than a spiritual crisis. This historical reflection underscores the urgency of our reparative call.
Moreover, the post-Civil War era, marked by the Church's acquiescence to systemic racism, further amplifies our sacramental duty. The marginalization of African Americans, both within our nave and the broader society, remains a somber chapter in our ecclesiastical annals.
Yet, the path to reparations is illuminated by the Paschal candle's flame, signifying hope and resurrection, and should be guided by the threefold process of repentance:
Acknowledgment: Recognizing our historical complicity, echoing the solemnity of the Ash Wednesday liturgy.
Remorse: A heartfelt contrition, reminiscent of the penitential rite.
Restorative Justice: Embarking on tangible acts of reparation, akin to the Eucharistic celebration's transformative grace.
The Episcopal Church's canonical strength and patrimonial legacy offer a unique vantage point. By championing a Reparations Fund, we can channel our resources towards initiatives that resonate with the Seven Sacraments' sanctity, addressing the holistic needs of DAEUS.
The reparative call is not a mere ecclesiastical directive; it is a sacramental imperative, echoing the solemnity of our liturgical calendar. As we journey from Advent's anticipation to Pentecost's fire, may our reparative endeavors mirror the transformative grace of the Eucharist, leading us and all whom we’ve harmed toward redemption and reconciliation.