National Council of Churches Annual Christian Unity Gathering

The National Council of Churches held their annual Christian Unity Gathering in Hampton, VA from October 14-15, 2019. The theme was "Ending Racism: Confronting Our Past, Revisiting Our Present and Naming God’s Preferred Future". The first day was dedicated to the various convening tables as they prepare to begin new projects based on the newly adopted priorities of the Council, including combatting racism. The USCCB is a member of the Faith and Order Convening Table and an observer to the Interreligious Relations Convening Table.

The second day was dedicated to marking the 400th anniversary of the arrival of African slaves in North America. The day began with an outing to Point Comfort, VA, where the first slaves landed. The group held a solemn ceremony of remembrance and lament filled with prayer, song, and ritual. The day's plenaries were focused on ways in which to work together to actively end racism.