Why I'm attending the
Service of Repentance for Slavery
in the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware
Saturday, October 30, 2010, 11:00 a.m.
at Cathedral Church of Saint John, Wilmington
by the Rev. Paul Gennett, St. Thomas's Parish, Newark
I NEED TO BE THERE
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about the founding history of St. Thomas's Parish as recently published in Delaware History by the Delaware Historical Society, edited by parishioner and Chief Curator Connie Cooper. I was doubly delighted to read the author's grateful note on the opening page for all the historical information provided to him by "the parish's longtime keeper of the memories, Victoria Owen." Well done Connie and Vicky, good and faithful servants of our 168 year history of ministry in Newark!
I read with great interest the inspiration behind establishing an Episcopal parish for the college students and the growing community of Newark, and the tireless work toward accomplishing this calling by Thomas Blandy and the Wilson brothers, William, Thomas, and Rathmell. Each of these men was noted as "upright citizens and devout Christians."
But then as I continued reading, I discovered Thomas Blandy "became the consummate country squire, complete with landed estate, investments in local business such as a foundry, and FIVE SLAVES." [p.3]
It continued in its reference to the Wilson brothers, "They adopted the trappings of SLAVEHOLDING aristocrats ..." [p.3]
In a description of the plans for building the original church and its interior seating, parish member George Allen 'insisted that the church muse include a west gallery to accommodate the SERVANTS who attended services." [p.10], and again, William Wilson was noted as being "disappointed to learn that the west gallery contained only boards for seating the COLOURED PEOPLE" [p.16] and recommended that St. Thomas's "give sufficient room for a portion of the Grave yard to be appropriated to the COLOURED PEOPLE." [P.17]
In February, 2010, St. Thomas's hosted the showing and discussions of Traces of the Trade, the documentary film account of a wealthy Rhode Island family, including relatives who are Episcopal clergy, and tracing the family's significant involvement in the slave trade early in our colonial history. In the weeks following, I had conversations with many of our parish who did not attend this day ostensibly because "this was another time in history, and it is not any part of my history." It seems through the historical account of our parish family of faith, it is very much a part of our history. As Rector of St. Thomas's, now some 168 years since our founding, I feel the weight in my heart of this history of our parish.
And so, on Saturday, October 30, at 11:00 a.m. at our Cathedral Church of St. John's in Wilmington, I will join our Bishop and many other faithful from parishes around our diocese to acknowledge and repent of our part in slavery of St. Thomas's history.
I will not attend with a heavy heart or feeling bad about myself. I attend to speak the truth, and begin living with ALL our brothers and sisters in Christ in the truth, for as our Jesus says, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." [John 8:32]
This service is open to all Episcopalians in our diocese. For the purpose of seating and reception following the service, please call her at 302-656-5441 ext. 106 now.
This is a profoundly powerful and crucially important moment in our history of St. Thomas's, our diocese, and our world. I know I need to be there ... how about you?
In peace always, your servant in Christ,
Paul+