Please read the following from Bishop Sam Rodman and Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson:

"Dear Beloved Members of our Diocese:

We write to let you know of a difficult and heartbreaking situation at the most recent Bishop’s Ball. On Saturday evening of the event, there was an incident involving a white child, with other children present, who used racial insults and physical aggression towards a Black child. In keeping with Safe Church guidelines, the supervising adults were housed in a different, though adjacent, bunkroom from the children. The incident was not reported to supervising adults until late the next morning after attendees began to depart.

Upon learning of the incident, our diocesan Youth Missioner, who directs Bishops’ Ball, immediately followed up the report by meeting with the following parties: 1) the child against whom the acts of aggression were directed, 2) the child who exhibited the described negative behaviors, and 3) those still present who witnessed the event. Pastoral care was provided for the child against whom the acts of aggression were directed. The parents of both children were immediately notified, as well as the bishops. A number of follow-up conversations did and continue to take place, with priority for the well-being of the child against whom the behavior was directed. Ongoing follow-up and care will continue.

It is important to understand that this incident occurred in the context of a long history of oppression of, violence against, and intimidation of people of color, in this country and in North Carolina. It is a painful and graphic sign that the sin of racism still infects our culture. It has, understandably, evoked generational experiences of trauma. The Pastoral Letter we sent in December 2023 is addressed to the ongoing need to illuminate that history and to repent of the role of The Episcopal Church in chattel slavery, racism and the unchristian systemic maltreatment of people of color. That work is the moral and spiritual obligation of white Episcopalians.

It is equally important to understand that this diocese, in our time, does not and will not condone racism or cruelty. We are committed to following Jesus’ command to love one another..."

*The memorandum included in the letter is shared with permission.

CLERGY/LAY LEADERSHIP SUPPORT CALLS: NEW SCHEDULE!

Leadership calls now take place on the 4th Tuesday at 7 p.m. AND the 4th Thursday of each month at 1 p.m. The same content will be covered on each call - leadership may attend whichever is more convenient. To join the call, use this link (the same link you've always used) or call in by phone at 1-646-558-8656 (Meeting ID: 515 271 142). To receive a weekly update including notes from the call, please email the communications department, or find an archive of notes on the diocesan website.

FOR YOUR CALENDARS

• March 1 - Parochial reports due. Reminders about the reports:
• Reports must be completed online, and the diocese does not want a paper copy.
• The canons of The Episcopal Church require that the vestry approve a report prior to filing it. 
• Please see this additional guidance on reporting your antiracism work.
• March 13 - Celebration of New Ministry for the Rev. Teri Daily, 6:30 p.m., Grace, Clayton. Clergy are invited to wear purple.
• April 30 - Clergy Quiet Day, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Holy Trinity, Greensboro

FROM THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

• Toward GC81: Registration open for General Convention visitors
• Episcopal Church announces new measures for increased transparency in matters of bishop misconduct
• Episcopal Service Corps seeks applicants for 2024-25
• service year

As we begin today the Lenten season, for many it begins a time of reflection, study, the trying of new practices or the breaking of old habits.

The Diocese of North Carolina invites you into a reflective space this Lent, a space you can incorporate into the Lenten practice you've chosen. You are invited to discern ways you might give up your silence and lend your voice to uphold the values consistent with the teachings and example of Jesus. You are invited not into direct action (yet), but into a time to learn and think. How might you give up your silence to ensure the dignity of every human being?

Just as Lent can be honored in different ways, so, too, can giving up your silence take different forms. But before action can be taken, why it matters has to be known to you. May this Lenten season be one of learning and discerning so those answers may be yours.

Pilgrimage dates: May 10-12

Announced earlier this year, registration is now open for the diocesan pilgrimage to Wilmington, North Carolina.

Based on the book Wilmington's Lie by David Zucchino, the subject of the diocesan book study currently underway, the pilgrimage is taking place on the new dates of May 10-12. Participation in the book study is not required to take part in the pilgrimage, but it is recommended that the book be read before departure.

Throughout the three days, pilgrims will integrate learning and experiences from the book with worship and reflection. The pilgrimage includes bus transportation to and from St. Luke’s, Durham, lodging, meals and a host of activities.

Spaces are expected to fill quickly, so reserve yours today!

The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Committee (RJRC) invites and encourages each parish to have one or more members—clergy or lay—attend an in-depth racial equity training workshop as a way to “seed” an understanding of racism from a systemic and institutional perspective, and to have a common understanding and vocabulary for approaching racial justice work throughout the diocese.

To help defray the cost of the training, the Diocese of North Carolina, through the RJRC, is offering funding to members to attend.

The Racial Equity Institute (REI)'s foundational workshop provides an analysis of race and racism from a systems perspective. That is, it addresses racism not only from the standpoint of individual bias, but also by examining the historical roots of racism as it affects institutions—the church, education, health care, criminal justice, etc., and what effect that has on the opportunities that white people and people of color have. Although this is a secular training, people of faith from multiple denominations are well-represented.

Those who have completed the workshop before and would like to return as alumni are also encouraged to attend.

Current two-day workshop opportunities include (9am-5pm each day):

• Mar. 21-22, 2024 (Thurs/Fri) - In person in Raleigh 
• Apr. 8-9, 2024 (Mon/Tues) - Virtual via Zoom
• Apr. 11-12, 2024 (Thur/Fri) - In person in Durham 
• May 6-7, 2024 (Mon/Tues) - In person in Durham 

To request funding, please contact Cathy Rimer-Surles and Lew Myers, RJRC co-chairs at: rjrc@episdionc.org before registering.

With early voting for the North Carolina primary now open, the diocese announces a new informational page on voting and voter enegagement.

We hope the page will provide valuable information and resources to help you be ready to vote and engage in helping others to be ready, too.

We will continue to update the page as the year progresses.

Introductory Parent's class: February 26, 7 p.m. via Zoom

Youth classes: Mondays, 7-8:30 p.m., March 4-25 via Zoom

The diocesan youth missioners are offering a four-week online confirmation preparation program this spring. The curriculum we use has been created by our department and is based on Jenifer Gamber’s "Your Faith, Your Life." The sessions are a mix of videos, reading, online meetings, activities and one-on-one sessions with an adult mentor and priest. We would love the opportunity to work with diocesan youth as they decide to make their own profession of faith through confirmation. For more information, contact Leah Dail.

March 30, 9:30 a.m., St. Mary's, High Point

Please join St. Mary's, High Point on Saturday, March 30, as we learn the art of Pysanky, Ukrainian Easter Egg dying and decorating. We will begin at 9:30 a.m. Registration is required, and participants will need to prepurchase some supplies. Please email amyc@stmaryshighpoint.org to sign up.

Pysanky is not suitable for small children. However, we will have materials for children to dye eggs they can take home, and have activities to keep kids having fun while adults and older youth learn and create.

With the Lenten season underway, there are a multitude of resources from around the church and church partners to help you find the path to take and deepen your faith journey.

From The Episcopal Church: Life Transformed - The Way of Love in Lent. The journey through Lent into Easter is a journey with Jesus. Reflect anew on the loving actions of God as recounted in the Easter Vigil readings. Available resources include videos, adult forum curriculum, calendar, publicity materials, and quiet day curriculum available in English and Spanish.

From Episcopal Relief & Development: Lenten Meditations authored by Miguel Escobar. Daily meditations to help Christians think deeply about their faith and actions towards other people. Subscribe.

From Forward Movement: Lent Madness goodies and more. Take part in the annual bracket madness, or explore resources to chart your own path.

From the NC Council of Churches: 2024 Lenten Guide: Terror and Amazement. Delve into the Easter gospel narrative, exploring how Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome faced the unexpected with a mix of terror and amazement. 

From Virginia Theological Seminary Lifelong Learning: We invite you to explore all the resources being offered by VTS this season.

PUBLICATIONS

• The Disciple

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PODCASTS

• Roundtables on Race
• To Differ is Divine