Meet Interim Missioner for Equity and Justice Michelle Dibblee
In case you missed it: here’s the link to the announcement from this summer of Interim Missioner for Equity and Justice Michelle Dibblee’s call to serve on diocesan staff.
Since beginning as Interim Missioner for Equity and Justice in mid-July, it has been a blessing to learn about the many commitments of leaders and congregations among us. I have seen firsthand how fellow Episcopalians are working hard to support our communities to heal the earth and waters of Creation, reduce energy usage, find housing and other basic resources for migrants and refugees, grow food and feed the hungry, dig deeply into parish and diocesan history as part of our commitment to reparations, and more.
Here are some highlights:
- At least five parishes have added solar panels to their buildings, saving money while moving to renewable energy; knowledgeable diocesan leaders on the Creation Care team played key roles in this process.
- In partnership with Episcopal Migration Ministries, the Refugee Response Team is forming new teams to welcome refugee families before the end of the year. Contact the Rev. Nancy Stockbridge, chair, to learn more.
- Congregations continue to research their racial histories and share newly revealed information. Understanding what harms have been committed is an essential step toward healing and repair (also known as reparation). Participants in this work have found that the truth can be a blessing.
- During COVID, congregations found ways to provide basic needs for neighbors. The work to address food insecurity has expanded through parish leadership around the diocese.
The pursuit of justice and equity is, at its best, collaborative, joyful, and healing. As members of the body of Christ, we all have gifts to offer. More information and a contact for each group is on the diocesan web pages linked above. If you have another ministry in mind, please reach out to me at mdibblee@edow.org.
This fall, in addition to supporting these efforts, I turn to the task of assessing how a staff position dedicated to equity and justice might best serve the diocese. Initiatives are now in place that did not exist five years ago, and the strategic plan is coming to an end in 2026. It is a good time to hear what has been most fruitful so far, and to discern what might be most needed moving forward. If you have reflections or ideas about the position of Missioner for Equity and Justice, I invite you to share them with me by email.
Let us continue to walk in love, sharing the gifts of the Spirit, so that all may thrive.
Michelle Dibblee
Interim Missioner for Equity and Justice
