Mission

The mission of the James Solomon Russell – Diocese of Southern Virginia Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), is to further the presence and work of people of color in the total life of the Episcopal Church.

 GOALS

• To encourage strong clergy and laity leadership in all parishes and in our diocese.
• To expand parish and diocesan support and participation in UBE programs and projects.
• To increase the knowledge of the history of people of color and their leadership in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion.
• To continue fully participating in the mission and governance of the diocese and the Episcopal Church.
• To advocate for social and economic justice in our communities, the Church and the world.

 HISTORY

Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black Clergy and Laity, the Union is the proud inheritor of the work of their predecessors and earlier organization, the Convocation of Colored Clergy, the Conference of Church Workers among Colored People, all dedicated to the ministry of Blacks in the Episcopal Church. The name was changed to the Union of Black Episcopalians in 1971.

The Union of Black Episcopalians is a confederation of more than 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean. The Union also has members in Canada, Africa and Latin America.

 LEADERSHIP

President:  Helen Sharpe-Williams, helen.sharpe-williams@earthlink.net

Vice President:  Rev. Dr. Joseph N. Green, revjngreen@cox.net

Secretary:  Deborah Austin, complianceretired@gmail.com

Treasurer:  Beverly Davis, bdavis165@cox.net

 MEETING SCHEDULE

The James Solomon Russell Chapter meets on the second Tuesday of each month (July & August) at 7 p.m. This is a virtual Zoom meeting. 

 EVENTS

Absalom Jones Day of Celebration                            February 13, 2022

Bishop Barbara Harris Day of Celebration                March 13, 2022

James Solomon Russell Day of Celebration              March 26, 2021

 MEMBERSHIP

Please join us, share your gifts, and help us create the beloved community. 

Click here for a membership application.

 CLERGY MEMBERS

The Rt. Rev. Susan B. Haynes

The Rev. Dr. Harold Cobb, Jr.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Joseph N. Green, Jr.

The Very Rev. Dr. Ronald Ramsey

The Rev. John Rohrs

The Rev. Andie Rohrs

The Very Rev. Dr. Stanley Sawyer

The Rev. Canon Dr. Frederick Walker

 SPONSORS

Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, Williamsburg, VA