Diocese of Virginia to study reparations

The Executive Board met yesterday in a special meeting to debrief on the April 24 Special Convention to Adopt the Budget. The Board considered how the Diocese might develop a process for addressing Resolution BR-4, which was presented in the closing minutes of Convention and was defeated. The resolution proposed to allocate $1,000,000 from diocesan investment assets to the income category and add a new line item for “Reparations and Undoing White Supremacy.” The Executive Board reached consensus that the issue of reparations will be on the agenda for its June meeting.

Board members will employ a variety of resources, including the Diocese’s online library of racial justice resources, to develop a basic and common understanding of the issues and concepts around reparations. “Having a common understanding of the subject matter is the beginning of our process,” Ms. White added.

Also at yesterday’s meeting, the Board discussed improvements to the Convention process and procedures, emphasizing ways to promote trust, transparency and improved communication with churches, clergy and delegates.

The Board also created two subgroups – one to study diocesan assets and the other to study campus ministry. The work of each subgroup will help to inform the development of the 2022 budget.

The Board’s Working Group on Budget will begin meeting in June to develop a budget forecast for 2022. Details on how to submit budget requests will be provided by May 31.

The Board will also be considering revisions to the procedural Rules of Order for Convention to improve clarity and consistency.

The Executive Board meets again on June 26 to continue this important work.