The Tribune

By The Episcopal News Service

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry invites Episcopalians to deepen their participation in Christ’s ministry of reconciliation by dedicating offerings at observances of the Feast of Absalom Jones to support the two remaining Episcopal Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs): St Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Voorhees College in Denmark, South Caroline.

St Augustine’s and Voorhees provide a liberal arts education to thousands of students, the vast majority of whom come from low-income households, and over 40 percent of whom are the first in their families to attend a four-year college. These schools also provide robust campus ministries which both evangelise and form young adults as followers of Jesus and his way of love.

“As we approach February, the remembrance of the Blessed Absalom Jones, the first African-American priest in the Episcopal Church, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate his memory and to honour the witness of two schools that continue to form new leaders,” Bishop Curry said. “In honour of Jones’ commitment to advancing the education of African Americans and promoting the development of African American leaders in all areas of life, the Episcopal Church is delighted to designate Saint Augustine’s University and Voorhees College as the beneficiaries of the 2019 Feast of Absalom Jones offerings.”

The two institutions of higher education were founded in the latter part of the 19th century as an Episcopal Church missionary venture. “These schools bring educational, economic, and social opportunity to often resource-poor communities, and they offer many blessings into the life of the Episcopal Church,” said Bishop Curry.

Donations to the HBCUs will provide much needed help to: offer competitive scholarships and financial aid; attract and retain exceptional faculty; support cutting-edge faculty research; instal new and upgraded technology campus-wide; provide state-of-the-art classroom and athletic equipment.

“The Episcopal Church established and made a life-long covenant with these schools, and they are an essential part of the fabric of our shared life,” he said.