The Episcopal Church’s “Becoming Beloved Community” commitment serves as a practical and theological framework to guide Episcopalians in the work of racial healing, justice, and reconciliation. A swath of racially motivated atrocities in the U.S. and abroad prompted the church’s General Convention in 2015 to charge its leaders to “lead, direct, and be present to assure and account for the church’s work of racial justice and reconciliation,” allocating $2 million for the work. 

The resulting vision—outlined in a document titled “Becoming Beloved Community: The Episcopal Church’s long-term commitment to racial healing, reconciliation, and justice”—was shared with the church in May 2017. It centers around a labyrinth metaphor comprising four quadrants: telling the truth; proclaiming the dream; practicing the way of love; and repairing the breach. Each quadrant corresponds to a promise in our baptismal covenant. 

The labyrinth framework allows for fresh initiatives and responses by Episcopal dioceses and churches as we continue to grapple with this hard and necessary work, inseparable from our mandate to love God and love our neighbors. The “Becoming Beloved Community Where You Are” document—most recently updated in 2024—offers questions, resources, and action steps to help individuals and small groups engage in racial justice and healing.

Find links below to the foundational documents in our “Becoming Beloved Community” vision, more information about the four quadrants, and related curricula.