Episcopal Church installs its first African-American leader" - Leah Messinger (period1)

       This weekend The Episcopal Church will install Bishop Michael Curry as their first African-American leader. A formal ceremony will be held on Sunday at the Washington National Cathedral and it will be a monumental moment in addressing the church's racist history. Curry, born in Chicago and growing up in Buffalo N.Y, had strong religious roots from the beginning. He is stepping into the position at a time of tension regarding gay rights and also when fewer and fewer Americans are associated with a church at all. Curry hopes to be honest about the church's history, embrace it, and move forward having learned from it. He also wants to help "raise our visibility in positive and genuine ways" and persuade Episcopalians to "take evangelism seriously."
        Although discrimination and equality was settled a long time ago, we still have remnants of racism and stereotypes today. It is alarming that we are just now having our first African-American president, and that we still have yet to have a woman in office. However, it is certainly a huge step in the right direction to have Curry be installed into such a high position in the Episcopal church. It just shows how much the times have changed and that our society is evolving into a more accepting and loving place. The most important fact is having the right person for the job no matter their skin color. This all sounds cliche, however, it took a very long time for people to understand this and put it into action. The more small steps in history that are taken will lead us to an even more unified nation.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-episcopal-church-first-african-american-leader-20151031-story.html