Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Spring 2013 Issue | Page 21

From Repentance to Hope in Virginia
Service commemorates Emancipation Proclamation
Emily Cherry
Over 500 people gathered at
St. George’s, Fredericksburg,
on Saturday, February
16, to commemorate the
150th anniversary of the
Emancipation Proclamation
with a special service of
remembrance, celebration
and witness. The Most Rev.
Katharine Jefferts Schori,
presiding bishop, reminded
attendees that “emancipation
Photo: Sam Pinczuk
is another word for the
Clergy and worshippers walk
ongoing resurrection we
by the former slave auction
know in Jesus Christ, who
block in Fredericksburg.
continues to set us free.”
But, she added, “to discover
the depth and reality of that
freedom, we must re-encounter it, every day of our lives.”

The entire congregation joined in a litany of offense and
apology, in which the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, bishop
of Virginia, offered apologies for the Church’s complicity
in the slave trade – and a promise to strive to create a
community of justice. “The Diocese of Virginia gathers to
apologize for its complicity in the institution of slavery and to
repent of the injuries done in its aftermath,” said Johnston
in the litany. He added, “With God’s grace we will amend our
lives, committing ourselves to opposing the sin of racism in
personal and public life.”
Hosted by St. George’s and planned by the diocesan
Committee on Race & Reconciliation, the service was
designed to mark a true journey from repentance to hope.

Three priests of the Diocese
of Virginia offered their
personal reflections on
the subject. “Racism will
not go away … until we
name it,” said the Rev. Kim
Coleman, rector of Trinity,
Arlington. “Emancipation
is … God’s ongoing work of
transfiguration through us.”

The presiding bishop
spoke of that same
Photo: Emily Cherry
transfiguring power in
Bishop Johnston and Presiding
her sermon. “God’s spirit
Bishop Jefferts Schori take
continues to set the people
part in the Witness Walk
free,” said Jefferts Schori.
around Fredericksburg.
“Today’s act of repentance is
another freshening breeze.”
She added, “That breath of God, the spirit of God, will blow
away the cloud, that gale of freedom will propel us forward
toward the reign of God, if and only if we are willing to let go of
anchoring chains that bind us to our own self-centeredness.”

Following the litany of repentance came a litany in
celebration of hope, led by Jefferts Schori. The service included
joyful music from St. George’s choir and the choirs of Shiloh
(New Site) Baptist Church in Fredericksburg.

The celebration concluded with a walk through historic
downtown Fredericksburg, which passed the site of the former
slave auction block and ended at the memorial dedication of a
sculpture by artist Ayokunle Odeleye. The sculpture, depicting a
set of raised hands releasing a dove into the air, is