About

The Commission for Intercultural Ministries (CIM) has an overarching mission to support the development of the Beloved Community in the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.  The Commission accomplishes this by working to build relationships between all people in the Diocese, focusing on the fulfillment of our Baptismal Vows.

Within the Commission, there are several working ministries or teams.  Each has a different focus.

• There are two programs that address racism, to encourage racial healing, reconciliation, and justice. One of the programs is Sacred Ground Circles. This is a 10-part series that tells the truth about the history of racism in our country.  The second program is a new learning opportunity called “I will with God’s help: Journey Toward Racial Healing and Justice.”  This one-day workshop tells the truth about racism in our country and invites us to imagine how we might be involved to make things better.  It will be offered in the deaneries in 2022.
• The Latino/Hispanic Task Force is another ministry. This year we have focused on the development of Latino/Hispanic culturally-appropriate worship toolkits. (Dia de los Muertos, La Navidad, Via Cruces)  These are available on the Diocesan website.
• The Indigenous Ministries Team focuses on matters concerning our Native neighbors. Two congregations (Trinity Cathedral and Church of the Incarnation)  are working with consultants from the Indigenous community to develop relationships with their Native neighbors and to craft land acknowledgements.  This project is funded by The Episcopal Church.
• The Advocacy Team is a new Team. It considers the positions taken by the Office of Government Relations, based on the resolutions at the General Convention. State-level legislation that fits with the Episcopal Church’s positions are also considered.   Action alerts that are provided by the Office of Government Relations are shared with the Diocese through the Diocesan ENews and the BBC monthly newsletter.
• The Afghan Resettlement Team is another new team.  It partners with St. Matthews Center, International Rescue Committee and World Relief to support Afghan resettlement in the greater Sacramento area.
• A final area of focus involves the Racial Justice Audit. The Racial Justice Audit was completed by The Episcopal Church.  A copy of the full report and the summary report can be found on the Diocesan website.

There are several ways an individual can be involved with this important work.

• The person can be the Deanery representative to the Commission as a whole. In this role, the representative will have the opportunity to have input into the programs of the Commission as well as be a resource for their Deanery for engaging with the work.
• Or, individuals might have a special interest in one of the ministry areas and want to engage with that specific ministry.  A great example of this might be coordinating the Deanery’s involvement with the Afghan Resettlement effort.
• We want the Commission to focus on areas that are important to  the Clergy and Laity throughout the Diocese.  There may be areas that we haven’t identified that need special attention, and we welcome input from you to help us know what these are.

Want to join CIM, learn more about CIM projects, receive the monthly newsletter, ask a question or share a comment?  Sign in here

SACRED GROUND

Learn more about Sacred Ground

Are you forming a Sacred Ground Circle? Let CIM know by registering it here

Are you interested in joining a Sacred Ground Circle? Sign up here

Videos

Presiding Bishop Curry is asking the question, “Where do we go from here?” 

The Presiding Bishop encourages us to work to build the Beloved Community.

The Episcopal Church Exposes the Doctrine of Discovery.

The video describes the Church’s historical role in supporting the Doctrine of Discovery and the Church’s repudiation of the Doctrine.

Report from Standing Rock  

Miriam Casey describes the ecumenical gathering at Standing Rock, November 3, 2016, where there was public repudiation of the Doctrine by the Episcopal Church and many other faith communities.

Racial Justice Audit Video  

Remarks from CIM members in support of a resolution to fund a Racial Justice Audit in the Diocese of Northern California.

More Info

• Afghan Refugee Update
• Afghan Settlement Ways To Help
• Land Acknowledgement And Beyond
• Land Acknowledgement Overview
• Resources For Further Study
• Ten Ways To Stop Hate
• LatinoHispanic Dia De Los Muertos Toolkit
• LatinoHispanic Pastorela Navideña Toolkit
• LatinoHispanic Via Cruces Toolkit

Becoming Beloved Community Newsletters

• October 2021 BBC Newsletter
• September 2021 BBC Newsletter
• August 2021 BBC Newsletter

CONTACT INFORMATION

Lynn Zender, Co-Chair

zenderlynn@gmail.com

530-574-6559

Miriam Casey, Co-Chair

mlcasey7@yahoo.com

650-380-2747

JoAnn Williams, Editor of Becoming Beloved Community Newsletter

bjwilli@surewest.net

Karen Nolan, Sacred Ground Coordinator

Karen.S.Nolan@gmail.com

CIM email

norcalcim@gmail.com