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 others.
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 organizations, 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.
Lisa Bortner, Corresponding Secretary
UBE
St. James’ Episcopal Church
St. James' was known from its earliest inception as "the little church who cares." Always inclusive, after a visioning process in the 80s the congregation experienced a boom in diversity. We welcome gay persons, mixed race couples and families, artists, musicians, the rich and the poor. We are made of educators, attorneys, Nigerian families, people from the Caribbean, Hispanics. Our community includes people of all ages and with varied physical, mental, and health abilities. Those of many political and theological opinions grace our pews and missions.
Our blend of nationalities, ethnic groups, and gender orientations did not come naturally. We have worked hard to become intentional and accepting of our differences. We learn from each other. We value and live out our black heritage and are proud of our rich cultural community and heritage. We seek to make this place a welcoming home not only for us, but for all the people of God.
Episcopal Diocese of Texas
The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) stands in the continuing tradition–more than 200 years–of Black leadership fighting racism in the Episcopal Church. UBE fights racism by encouraging the involvement of Black people in the total life of the church–on every level and in every way–mission, stewardship, evangelism, education, leadership, governance and politics. The Union is committed to translating these words into Christian action for all Episcopalians and at all levels of the Church.
The Union of Black Episcopalians welcomes allies who support the mission, purposes and goals of the organization and wants to actively work eradicate racist systems and practices. The membership of the UBE is made up of ‘all sorts and conditions of God’s people.’ All are welcome to join.
The Episcopal Diocese of Texas has two chapters of the Union of Black Episcopalians: The John Dublin Epps Chapter, chartered in 1986; and the Myra McDaniels Chapter, chartered in 2013.
About Us
The Myra McDaniel chapter is an affiliate of the national organization, The Union of Black Episcopalians. The chapter advocates for and encourages greater involvement and particpation of members of the African Diaspora in all levels of the Episcopal Church.