Our History
Roots in the Civil Rights Movement
The heart of the Absalom Jones Center grew out of the Civil Rights Movement of the late 1950s and early 1960s. The site was a gathering space for members of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), deeply connected to the spirit of justice, activism, and transformation. For decades, the Center and its predecessor nurtured a strong relationship with the surrounding Atlanta University Center.
Forming Leaders for the Church
The current building was completed in the mid-1990s with a clear mission: to build a pipeline for Clergy of Color in the Episcopal Church. This vision included a robust Campus Missioner outreach, fostering spiritual formation and leadership development among students.
A Diocesan Response to Racism
Nearly twenty years ago, the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta responded to the General Convention’s mandate for anti-racism training by forming a commission to address racism within the Church. This initiative became known as Beloved Community: Commission for Dismantling Racism. The commission sought to heal the chronic illness of racism in our faith community by creating awareness through ongoing spiritual formation.
Expanding the Vision: The Center is Born
By 2016, the Commission had reached over 1,500 people. It became clear that the work needed to grow. In October 2017, the Episcopal Center for Racial Healing opened its doors to expand and deepen this mission. The Center became a sacred space where clergy, lay leaders, and community members could engage in brave dialogue, moving beyond awareness toward real and lasting change.
Continuing the Work Through Prayer, Action, and Partnership
Today, the Center remains steadfast in its mission through a growing range of offerings that foster formation, accountability, and transformation. These include our signature Pilgrimage of Racial Healing, formation for youth and children, preparation of Pilgrim Leaders, organizational integrity audits, and strategic partnerships. Rooted in a dignity-centered approach and guided by the promises of the Baptismal Covenant, our work is committed to restoring justice in the world. We will continue this vital mission until it is no longer needed. As James 3:18 reminds us: “You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.” (MSG)