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Reparations

For the Diocese of Southern Ohio, reparations is a discipline of repentance and repair following the way of Jesus, that reckons with historical and continuing wrongs against people based on their group identity. This requires a habit of assessing the harms we participate in, lamenting these offenses, changing our practices individual and institutional and surrendering substantial financial resources to heal what can be repaired and move toward mutual joy as beloved community which we undertake with God’s help. We will begin this work considering and addressing the harms against the Black community in this place.

Resolutions defining the work of the Commission on Reparative Justice
  1. Resolve that: The Bishop and Trustees of the Diocese of Southern Ohio commit to partnering with the newly created Reparations Task Force, our four predominately African-American congregations, our Spanish speaking congregations, the Becoming Beloved Community Task Force, and the Minority Empowerment Initiatives Trust (MEIT) in investing in those empowerment strategies and goals that are consistent with the Baptismal Covenant’s call that we “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being,” and be it
  2. Further resolved that: The Bishop and Trustees of the Diocese of Southern Ohio explore with the Reparations Task Force, and the aforementioned stakeholders, the creation of a Diocesan Staff position whose focus would be to increase the vitality of the Black and brown communities of faith while also being an advocate for the engagement by all our congregations in responding to Jesus’ call to “Love our neighbors as ourselves.”

R2021-06: Continuing the work of the Reparations Task Force

Whereas the mission of the Reparations Task Force is to seek out more equitable ways to live our Baptismal Covenant within Southern Ohio; and

Whereas the Task Force seeks to establish platforms for various congregations to have honest communication that broadens the understanding of how racial division and cultural intolerance separates us from communion with God; therefore be it

Resolved, that this 147th Convention of the Diocese of Southern Ohio recognize and affirm the mission of the Reparations Task Force, and recommit ourselves toward truthful engagement and prayerful transformation of the historical forces that continue to divide us along racial lines, and be it further

Resolved, that the Reparations Task Force be directed to provide progress reports to the next three Diocesan Conventions with the purpose of repairing any racial and cultural breaches that separate us from the teachings of Jesus Christ.

R2025-02: Establishing the Commission on Reparative Justice in
the Diocese of Southern Ohio
Whereas, the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls the church to justice, reconciliation, and healing, following the commandment to love God and neighbor; and
Whereas, the Diocese of Southern Ohio, through the Reparations Task Force, has recognized that racial and economic inequities—rooted in the historic sin of slavery and perpetuated by systemic racism—continue to harm Black communities and other
marginalized groups; and
Whereas, reparations are a faithful act of repentance, healing, and transformation that embody Christ’s reconciling love; and
Whereas, reparative justice strengthens congregations by deepening discipleship, widening witness, and equipping leaders for equity and healing; and
Whereas, the scope of this work requires a permanent body with authority and accountability to sustain long-term initiatives; therefore, be it
Resolved, that the 151st Convention establish the Commission on Reparative Justice as a permanent body, succeeding the Reparations Task Force, to lead, sustain, and expand this work; and be it further
Resolved, that the Commission include 9–15 clergy and lay members, appointed by the bishop with consent of Diocesan Council, serving staggered three-year terms with reappointment possible; and be it further
Resolved, that within its first year, the commission develop a three-to-five-year strategic plan with measurable goals, strategies for congregational engagement, and accountability; and be it further
Resolved, that the commission report annually to convention and provide interim updates, including progress on reparative education, financial initiatives, advocacy, reconciliation, and leadership development, all aligned with The Episcopal Church’s
Becoming Beloved Community framework; and be it further
Resolved, that the commission be funded through the diocesan budget and may seek grants and designated gifts; and be it further Resolved, that the diocese affirm reparative justice as central to its mission, fulfilling the Great Commission through acts of repair, equity, and reconciliation.

Bishops’ support
Members of the Commission

Co-Chairs

The Rev. Karl Stevens, St. Stephen’s, Columbus email
Larry James, St. Barnabas, Montgomery email

Members

Jeff Dey – Our Saviour, Cincinnati
Tyrone K. Yates – St. Andrew’s, Evanston
Dianne Ebbs – Christ Church Cathedral
Debbie Stokes – St. Philip, Columbus
Ariel Miller – Ascension & Holy Trinity, Wyoming
The Rev. John Paddock – St. Christopher’s, Fairborn
The Rev. Michael Tiger – St. James, Zanesville
The Rev. Chris Slane – St. Andrew’s, Evanston
Marsha Dutton – Good Shepherd, Athens
James Bolden – St. Margaret’s, Dayton
The Rev. Beth Turner – St. Alban’s, Bexley
Vanessa Gentry – St. Simon of Cyrene, Lincoln Heights
Karen Western – Church of St. Edward, Whitehall

Staff

Miriam McKenney, missioner for Beloved Community
The Rev. Aaron Rogers, missioner for Black ministries

Books, articles, essays

412 Sycamore Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202

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