The Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE) 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.
Mission of UBE
To unite the diverse cultures, concerns and gifts of Black Episcopalians by providing preparation and encouragement for living the Baptismal Covenant and fully participating in the mission and governance of The Episcopal Church.
UBE in Southern Ohio – Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr. Chapter
Born during a time of civil unrest, the Diocese of Southern Ohio’s Union of Black Episcopalians sought to bring together all the groups within the diocese fighting for the black communities and black Episcopalians. The five (now four) historically black churches worked to ensure our voices were heard and to ensure the needs of our churches and communities were not forgotten or dismissed. Our mission has not changed.
We became the Bishop Herbert Thompson Jr. Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians to honor our diocese’s first Black bishop, using him as inspiration to promote and encourage leadership growth in all aspects of diocesan life for our members.
We lift up our youth by assisting those youth who would like to attend the UBE annual business meeting and conference each year, to learn our history and encourage their participation within the national chapter of UBE.
Annual events
Honoring Absalom Jones
Separate but together. On the second Sunday of February, UBE sends out service materials so that we all can con-celebrate the life of the first black Episcopal priest, Absalom Jones.
Symposium
The historically Black Episcopal churches of our diocese unite with the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E) Church to host panel discussions on the state of the black churches and our communities, and how we can work together to make both our denominations strong and united.
Humanitarian Award
We honor the time and talents of one person from each of our historically Black churches that live out the UBE mission – to live out God’s commandments, and lift up our communities – each year at our symposium.
Membership
Membership is open to all who believe in the mission of the Union of Black Episcopalians. The Bishop Thompson Chapter of UBE would love to have your support and membership. The annual membership drive runs between October 15 and December 15 of each year. Members received during the current year will be members-in-good-standing for the following year.
Membership form here.
You are invited!
The Bishop Herbert Thompson Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians has regular member meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 6 pm EST via Zoom. Email bhthompsonube@diosohio.org to get the Zoom link.
Officers
President: The Rev. Dr. Benjamin Speare-Hardy
Vice President: The Rev. Aaron Rogers
Treasurer: Triná Owens-Rogers
Secretary: Barbara Bass
For more chapter information, contact bhthompsonube@diosohio.org
Newsletters
- April 13, 2026 (pilot issue!)
