AN INDEPENDENT body has been created to continue the work of dismantling “systemic racism” in the US Episcopal Church.

The Episcopal Coalition for Racial Justice and Equality has been formed over three years, and its creation is part of the Church’s commitment to racial healing. The Presiding Bishop, the Most Revd Michael Curry, and the President of the House of Deputies, Julia Ayala Harris, signed the paperwork last week, establishing the Coalition as an independent non-profit body, and ensuring that it will continue its work regardless of future changes in church leadership.

Its creation was endorsed by the 2022 General Convention, which agreed that it would be “a voluntary association of Episcopal dioceses, parishes, organizations, and individuals dedicated to the work of becoming the Beloved Community”.

The Coalition will work with existing racial justice programmes in the Church.

“The establishment of this coalition is an historic step forward in our Church’s ongoing work to dismantle systemic racism and build a more just and equitable future for all God’s children,” Ms Ayala Harris said.

“While there is still much work ahead of us, today’s announcement marks a significant milestone in our journey toward racial justice. Let us move forward with courage, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to creating a Church and a world where all people are valued and loved.”

The Coalition will be funded from the Church’s unrestricted trust funds, and a joint resolution will be introduced at the 81st General Convention, in June, to enshrine a funding mechanism in the Church’s canons to ensure the coalition’s long-term sustainability.