“Tulsa has the distinction of having the worse race riot massacre in American history. At All Souls, our vision is that we would become the city with the most hopeful story of race reparations, restoration, and reconciliation in the years to come,” said Rev. Barbara Prose at the closing of her acceptance speech at the National Philanthropy Day Conference on November 4.
All Souls was honored to be nominated and to receive the Outstanding Diversity and Inclusion in Philanthropy award by the local Association of Fundraising Professionals chapter. Member Floretta Reed submitted the nomination recognizing the continual process to achieve the All Souls vision; “Our church is an embodiment and celebration of the world as we hope it will one day become. A climate of profound hospitality, love and acceptance radiates from our campus and our members. Our sanctuary is bursting with people from a diversity of theologies, philosophies, ethnicities, culture, color, classes, abilities, generations, sexual orientations, gender expressions, and political persuasions, all dwelling together in peace, seeking the truth in love and helping one another.”
“I believe the leadership of All Souls through its practices has taken bold steps to ensure they are creating a respectful and welcoming environment that is open to all,” said Reed. Her nomination included the work of All Souls adopting Mosaic and Rewire, two racial identity groups, and the Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI) which identifies an individual’s capacity to cultural differences and similarities.
Mosaic is a racial identity group for people of color which equips participants with tools to effectively challenge racism and develop allies across racial lines. Rewire is a racial identity group for white people to unlearn racism. Participants explore racial identity formation and learn how to be effective allies for racial justice.
In addition to the work All Souls facilitates, Reed’s nomination included other philanthropic efforts such as giving the Sunday offering to diverse local and national non-profits each week and to the many outreach programs lead by All Souls members.
“It was a great honor to accept this award on behalf of our community at All Souls Church,” said Rev. Prose. “Our community includes our members, our friends and supporters, and many leaders. All Souls couldn’t do what we do without visionary leaders at every level of our organization.”
