Black African Ministries (BAM) Report August 2025

Black African Ministries Province Update 8/28/25

BAM is collaborating with The Office for African Decent Ministries, Western Regional UBE, and the Diocese of Arizona to host an in-person Internalized Oppression training. This will be held in Arizona, November 7-8, 2025 (beginning at 5:30pm on Friday and ending 4:30pm on the 8th).

UBE of the Pacific Northwest and I are in discussion on ways that we can partner for meetings and gatherings, as we have mutual members.

We are planning to collaborate with (UBE) of the Pacific Northwest on a book that honors BIPOC saints/saints of color. They have created a job description to hire/ contract with someone who can help write and compile this. BAM will contribute to the creation and publication of this book.

We are still in the process of developing a proposal to request the Diocese of Olympia assist with financial administrative tasks for BAM, specifically helping with financial matters, as we have some funds from the grant we received in 2024. The Olympia diocese has been busy addressing staff transitions due to budget cuts, so there have been delays in finalizing the proposal.

The Olympia Diocese has obtained Sacred Waters Center for Retreat and Restoration in Union, WA. Sacred Waters is a center that has a physical and online presence for gatherings. BAM will be partnering with Sacred Waters to host BAM meetings and gatherings. We are excited about this opportunity to support Sacred Waters' mission for racial reconciliation and creation care. 

The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia stands at a transformative moment to expand our missional capacity and deepen our commitment to healing and wholeness, racial equity and creation care. 

More information can be found at:

https://www.thesacredwaterscenter.org

Respectfully Submitted, 

Sherina James

Black African Caribbean Ministries (BAM) 

Co-Coordinator, Province VIII