Who We Are. The Union of Black Episcopalians, Diocese of Newark Chapter, brings together more than 35 members and countless friends, uniting the diverse cultures, concerns, and gifts of Black Episcopalians. We seek to live out our Baptismal Covenant and fully participate in the life and leadership of The Episcopal Church.

Our chapter serves all God’s children through stewardship, evangelism, education, and leadership, celebrating and supporting youth, organizations, and individuals who embody faith in action and help build a more just and life-giving church.

Our History. The U.B.E. stands in the continuing tradition of more than 200 years of Black leadership in the Episcopal Church. From the founding of St. Thomas Episcopal Church by Absalom Jones in 1794 in Philadelphia, and continuing through the historic consecration of the Rt. Rev.  Barbara Harris, as Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts, Black Episcopalians have shaped the church’s witness and ministry.

We honor the legacy of leaders such as James Holly, Henry Delaney, John Walker, Tollie Caution, Charles Lawrence, Deborah Harmon Hines, and many others whose faith and courage paved the way.

Organized in 1968 as the Union of Black Clergy and Laity, the Union inherited the work of earlier organizations - including the Convocation of Colored Clergy and the Conference of Church Workers Among Colored People - all dedicated to the ministry of Black people in the Episcopal Church. The name was changed to the Union of Black Episcopalians in 1971. 

Today, the U.B.E. includes more than 55 chapters and interest groups throughout the continental United States and the Caribbean, with members in Canada, Africa, and Latin America.

Our Local Chapter. Inspired by the National U.B.E. Conference, the Rev. Deacon Cedric Thompson of Christ Church, East Orange, along with other committed clergy and laity, helped found the U.B.E. Diocese of Newark Chapter in 1976. The first meetings were held at The House of Prayer in Newark, bringing together a community rooted in faith and action.

The Chapter’s early efforts focused on civil rights education, voter registration, financial empowerment, tutoring at local schools, and supporting people of color discerning calls to ordained ministry in The Episcopal Church. From the beginning, the Union has worked to strengthen and uplift Black congregations and communities across the Diocese of Newark. Today, our Chapter sponsors several service and leadership-related events and activities during the year.

Annual Events and Celebrations

The Reverend Absolom Jones Commemoration Service. Held annually since 1979, this spirit-filled service honors the feast day of the Reverend Absalom Jones on February 13th. Goodwill donations are accepted during the service to support Historically Black Episcopalian Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), such as Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, N.C., and Voorhees College in Denmark, S.C..

U.B.E. Scholarship Luncheon. Established in 1979 and held every June, this luncheon celebrates academic achievement and social justice leadership. Scholarships awarded to high school seniors:

• The Marguerite E. Smith Scholarship awards merit-based and competitive financial scholarships to high school seniors who are going to attend college/university. Goodwill donations are accepted at any time to support this scholarship fund.

• The A. Lorraine Jones Social Justice Scholarship is awarded to a high school senior who has demonstrated a commitment to social justice in their school or community.

Clara Horsley Leadership Award Breakfast. Founded in 2010, this fall event honors the legacy of Mrs. Clara Horsley and recognizes outstanding leadership in the diocese. Awards are given to an organization, a youth, and  an adult whose work has made a substantial impact in their communities and model that of Ms. Horsley by being engaged in the life, the work, and the ministry of the diocese.

Ongoing Ministry and Advocacy. The U.B.E. has maintained a longstanding relationship with the diocesan prison ministry through various activities, including providing backpacks for school-aged children and Christmas gifts for the children of incarcerated parents.

During this year, given the tumultuous nature of our social and political climate, the U.B.E. has gathered to conduct “postcard” advocacy by sending handwritten postcards to our elected federal, state, and local representatives, reminding them to show mercy and seek justice for the least of God’s Beloved in the communities they serve.  The U.B.E. will continue to seek opportunities to work with the Diocesan Commission on Justice, Peace, and Racial Reconciliation.

Join Us. All are welcome to join our holy work. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month (July and August are summer break, with no meetings). If you are interested, please visit our website at ubenewarkchapter.org or contact one of our officers or members of the executive board.

Our Mission:

To unite the diverse cultures, concerns, and gifts of Black Episcopalians by providing preparation and encouragement by way of living out our Baptismal Covenant and fully participating in the mission and governance of The Episcopal Church.

This is demonstrated by engaging and welcoming people of color and all God’s children on every level and in every way.

Part of the UBE Northeast Region, representing the Diocese of Newark, NJ