ENS: Episcopal Church to hold 'Day of Repentance' to apologize for participation in slavery

By Daphne Mack

August 06, 2008
[Episcopal News Service] A two-day solemn observance has been planned for October 3-4 at the historic African Episcopal Church of St. Thomas in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where the Episcopal Church will take a monumental step and publicly apologize for its involvement in the institution of transatlantic slavery. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will serve as celebrant and preacher at the October 4 service of repentance.

"This gathering is of vital importance because this is a stain on the church that's been around for a long time," said John Vanderstar, Executive Council member and author of resolution A123, which called for the occasion. "I strongly believe that the church needs to confront its past and change its future." the rest