St. B’s is pleased to offer Sacred Ground, a dialogue series on race and faith, on Wednesday evenings, September 8-November 10, 6:30-8:00 pm. Sacred Ground was developed by The Episcopal Church and run by the Diocese of Tennessee's Beloved Community Commission.

Through a powerful collection of documentary films and readings, we will examine chapters of America’s history of race and racism, with particular focus on how Indigenous, Black, Latino, and Asian/Pacific American histories intersect with European American histories. In doing so, we are invited to peel away the layers that have contributed to the challenges and divides of the present day—all while grounded in our call to faith, hope and love. Sacred Ground is part of Becoming Beloved Community, The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing and justice in our personal lives, our ministries, and our society. You can find more information on the national church's website.

This 10-part series will be held in St. B's Wallace Hall, and facilitated by Rev. Monna Mayhall of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and Dr. Bill Gittens of St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church. Each class provides the opportunity for small group breakouts in which participants can process content and explore avenues for reconciliation. There is recommended preparatory reading and film viewing for each class that may involve 3-4 hours per week.

Sacred Ground comes highly recommended by the Diocese of Tennessee and the twelve St. B’s parishioners who completed the series in Fall 2020, who described it as “transformative,” “revelatory,” and “community-enhancing.” One added, “The Holy Spirit, who comforts those who are distressed and distresses those who are comfortable, is truly and fully present in this course.”

St. B’s parishioners are encouraged to ask questions and sign up by emailing Nancy Cason. Attendance is limited to 30 participants. After July 31, enrollment will be open to other churches in our diocese.