Rev. Anne Kirchmier talks with her friend, Rev. Willis Foster, Sr., rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Petersburg. He shares stories, from growing up Black during segregation and “integration” in Greensboro, North Carolina to his career in the military to his career in the church. Willis talks about what he’s learned and what it will take to move to a better place.
3:48-50:03: Willis and Anne’s Conversation
3:48-7:12: How are you doing?
7:40-15:23: What is the current situation like for you, your family, and your congregation?
16:04-31:09: Would you be willing to talk about how you have experienced racism in your life?
31:33-40:16: What can White Christians do to be allies?
40:47-45:54: What gives you hope?
46:40-50:03: Joint Prayer, Lord’s Prayer
Referenced in this episode:
Information about works and conversations by Rev. Winnie Varghese, Rev. Stephanie Spellers, and Rev. Kelly Brown Douglas:
https://www.episcopalnewsservice.org/2020/07/06/female-church-leaders-of-color-urge-more-anti-racism-action-in-open-letter/
Yet With A Steady Beat: The African American Struggle for Recognition in the Epsicopal Church by Harold Lewis: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/yet-with-a-steady-beat-harold-t-lewis/1112031749
How To Be An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi: https://www.ibramxkendi.com/how-to-be-an-antiracist-1
Willis’ church, St. Stephen’s Petersburg: https://ststephenspbgva.org/, https://www.facebook.com/ststephenspbgva228
Learn more about racism and ways to fight it:
https://www.naacpldf.org/
https://episcopalchurch.org/responding-to-racist-violence
Get information on how to register to vote where you live: https://vote.gov/
Wherever you are in your faith journey, we are here to support you in any way:
http://www.standrews-episcopal.org/
https://www.facebook.com/standrewsnewportnews/