A 200 Year Tradition of Black Leadership in the Episcopal Church

Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black Clergy and Laity (and renamed in 1971), the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE)  is part of a 200 year tradition of black leadership in the Episcopal Church. UBE now has over 55 chapters and interest groups in the United States, Canada, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

The goals for the organization are to develop leadership among people of African descent, to support and sustain financially – predominately black congregations and other affirming, black organizations, and to work with others to eliminate racism and injustice within the Episcopal Church and in society.

The Bishop James Theodore Holly Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians operates out of St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Buffalo, NY – and represents individuals and congregations within the Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania Dioceses.

In 2021 - 2022, our goals are:

1. To build our membership, especially among our youth and young adult constituency
2. To continue our work with incarcerated people and to mitigate the harm of mass incarceration on families and communities
3. To work collaboratively with the Commission to Dismantle Racism and Discrimination on their efforts within the Diocesan Partnership

We are beginning to explore ways to connect with organizations and faith leaders in communities of color in Northwestern Pennsylvania. And, we will host a number of events that provide educational, spiritual and cultural opportunities for enrichment and connection. All are welcome to participate in our events. Check out our calendar for more information! 

Learn more about how to join the Union of Black Episcopalians as a member or as a volunteer. 

Officers:

President — Gabrie’l J. Atchison, Ph.D.

Vice President — Timothy Mourdaunt

Secretary — Paul Nevergold

Treasurer — Wayne A. Blassingame, Interim

Parliamentarian — Hon. Rose Sconiers

Chaplain — Deacon Lillian Davis-Wilson

Priest-In-Charge — Rev. Steve Lane

Membership Chair — Kim Greene

Solitary Confinement/HALT Representative — Patrick Cray