The National Council of Churches‘ Christian Unity Gathering spent Oct. 15 in Hampton, VA, observing a day of remembrance and lament. This year marks the 400th anniversary of African captives arriving for the purpose of enslavement. In addition to a retelling of the story of enslavement and the resulting racism in the United States, flowers were laid out – gladiolus for remembrance, black-eyed Susans for justice and bittersweet for truth. Rev. Terri Hord Owens participated in the placement of the flowers of remembrance and Rev. April Johnson of Reconciliation Ministries; Rev. Dr. Sharon E. Watkins, former general minister and president; Rev. Sheila Spencer from Disciples Home Missions; Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Ohio Council of Churches; and Rev. Mary Anne Glover, Virginia Council of Churches; were also present.
Offering received Sept. 26 & Oct. 3