Case Study
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church is a dynamic and historic community nestled in the heart of Annapolis, Maryland, with a rich legacy dating back to the 19th century. Originally founded in 1870 as St. Philip’s Colored Mission by the dedicated women of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, the congregation has been steadfast in its commitment to embodying the Gospel values of love, justice, and reconciliation. Over the years, St. Philip’s has evolved into a thriving hub of spiritual growth and community engagement.
From its humble beginnings as a Sunday School for African American children, the church has grown into a vibrant congregation with a diverse membership reflecting the rich tapestry of Annapolis. St. Philip’s mission is: “To restore people to unity with God and each other in Christ by promoting stewardship, community outreach, diverse worship services, church growth and the involvement of youth and young adults in the development of a cross-generational church family.”
Today,St. Philip’s continues to serve as a beacon of light and hope in the community. The congregation embraces all individuals, regardless of background or belief, and strives to create an inclusive and welcoming space where everyone feels valued, heard, and loved. Through various ministries and outreach efforts, St. Philip’s endeavors to address the pressing issues facing our world, standing in witness to the transformative power of faith, compassion, and unity.
Engaging in difficult conversations through the lens of faith is essential because it allows us to embody the principles of love, understanding, and compassion taught by Jesus Christ. As Christians, we are called to confront injustice, challenge prejudice, and build bridges of reconciliation within our communities. Unfortunately, our country, churches, and communities worldwide are grappling with increasing divisions along political, ideological, and cultural lines. These divisions breed animosity and hinder genuine love and compassion. However, by engaging in difficult conversations rooted in faith, we create opportunities for healing, growth, and transformation, ultimately fostering deeper connections and understanding among our diverse community members.
I truly believe that our faith communities are called to serve as spaces where individuals can practice forgiveness, reconciliation, and grace. We must create an environment where differing perspectives are welcomed, respected, and valued. In doing so, we not only honor our faith, but also contribute to building a more inclusive, compassionate, and just society.
At St. Philip’s, I’ve challenged members to step outside their comfort zones and engage in dialogue with individuals who may hold differing perspectives, backgrounds, or lifestyles. This deliberate effort to connect with those who are different from us was (and still is) crucial in cultivating the beloved community that God calls us to live in—a community founded on inclusivity, acceptance, and mutual respect. Through these conversations, St. Philip’s began to work toward healing wounds, dismantling barriers, and ultimately building a more unified and compassionate society grounded in our faith values.
1. Listen to understand, instead of to respond:When weapproach a conversation with empathy and humility, we seek to understand the other person’s perspective without judgment or condemnation. When we actively listen, we foster a sense of respect and openness, laying the groundwork for constructive dialogue.
2. Create a safe space with no shaming or blaming: We mustset a respectful and safe space for dialogue, where all voices are heard and valued, and where disagreements are viewed as opportunities for learning and growth. Asafe space allows for honest expression and fosters trust, even in the midst of disagreement. Also, when we avoid shaming or blaming, we encourage a spirit of openness and vulnerability.
3. Set norms and share stories: We need to focus on common values and goals, finding areas of mutual interest or concerns that can serve as a foundation for productive dialogue and collaboration. The focus on commonality and creating ground rules together helps to humanize the other person and encourages collaboration toward shared objectives.
I applied these principles while engaging with a group that many would consider a hate group. Through empathetic listening and creating a safe space for dialogue, I learned that some of their intentions were often misunderstood. By focusing on our common values and goals and setting ground rules, I witnessed transformations within the group, as individuals’ hearts and minds were opened to new perspectives.
I also had the opportunity to attend the One America Movement summit, a gathering that reinforces the importance of bridging divides and provides practical tools for navigating complex issues across religious, racial, and political lines. At the summit I continued to practice these same three steps and was a witness to many who were willing to foster understanding, empathy, and ultimately, meaningful change within their communities.
By demonstrating how to approach conversations with empathy, humility, and a focus on common values, St. Philip’s paved the way for the community to follow suit. This led to the creation of the Racial Reconciliation Collaborative (RRC), a new ministry aimed at promoting racial reconciliation in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County. Through this collaborative effort, individuals are invited to participate in programs, discussions, joint projects, and other activities designed to further the cause of racial reconciliation. RRC serves as a safe space where faith-based and community organizations can come together for difficult conversations and mutual support, fostering the development of the beloved community envisioned by our faith.
The impact of RRC has been amazing, with many members of the community expressing how profoundly they have been changed by participating in its activities. Through these conversations and initiatives, individuals have gained a deeper understanding of systemic racism, increased empathy for those affected by racial injustice, and a renewed commitment to working towards a more equitable and justice society.
I continue to do this work as the new Canon for Mission in the Diocese of Maryland, where I remain dedicated to creating safe spaces for difficult conversations and advancing the cause of reconciliation. Through initiatives such as Truth and Reconciliation Ministry and engaging in Reparations conversations, I am committed to fostering healing and understanding within our community and beyond. And by equipping others with the tools and resources to engage in this important work, the Episcopal Church will continue to build bridges, challenge systemic injustices, and strive toward the vision of the beloved community where all are welcomed, valued, and respected.
Websites
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
Diocese of Maryland Truth and Reconciliation
One America Movement
Racial Reconciliation Collaborative
Social Media Accounts
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church
The Diocese of Maryland Truth and Reconciliation Commission
One America Movement
Racial Reconciliation Collaborative
The Rev. Randy Kyle Callender, born in Philadelphia to a close-knit Barbadian family, has been deeply rooted in the Episcopal Church from a young age. Inspired by his experiences in diocesan events and organizations like the Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE), he has been an active leader in youth and young adult ministries. Randy earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Cheyney University before pursuing his Master’s of Divinity at Episcopal Divinity School (EDS) in 2010.
Ordained as a transitional deacon in 2010 and later becoming the first African American male priest ordained in the Diocese of Pennsylvania in 25 years, Randy was called to serve as Rector at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Annapolis, Maryland, starting in 2012. In 2024, he began serving as the Canon for Mission in the Diocese of Maryland.
Throughout his ministry, Randy has been deeply involved in various committees and initiatives focused on youth, racial reconciliation, and bridge-building within and beyond the church. He has also lent his expertise to the One America Movement’s Faith Over Division program, addressing societal divides in congregations and communities. Randy’s passion for building relationships and fostering inclusivity in God’s Beloved Community guides his teaching and preaching.
Randy is married to Katya and is a proud father to Jaivyn and Soraya.