This spring, the Moravian-Episcopal Coordinating Committee (MECC) launched a free, three-session adult education resource, “Past Reckoning: Exploring the Racial History of the Moravian and Episcopal Churches,” based on a webinar series organized by its Racial Reconciliation Working Group. Using a roughly 40-minute video and a study guide, it is designed for use in a congregation or a joint program with an Episcopal and Moravian church. The three sessions deal with the colonial period to the Civil War, Jim Crow, and Civil Rights to today.

This spring, the Rev. Maria Tjeltveit, past Episcopal co-chair of MECC, led a monthly 1½-hour afternoon study, at College Hill Moravian Church, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, a predominantly White congregation that has been exploring racial issues. The organizer said, “It helped us realize that this is our history, not just the history of the South.” The group explored ways they could put their learnings into action. Grace Moravian Church, Jamaica, New York, a predominantly Caribbean congregation, did a study with lively discussion, beginning the evening with music and prayer. They were assisted by the Rev. Sue Koenig, director of the Northern Province Racial Justice Team. She reports that youth engagement with Past Reckoning at a church in the Western District of the Moravian Church Northern Province led to addressing how the church could organize for the work of gun reform. Waconia Moravian Church thought the videos were good!

We would love to hear about how Episcopal congregations using this resource. Contact the Rev. Maria Tjeltveit at revmariat@gmail.com with questions or feedback.