For C4SO, centering the work of racial diversity and justice is a critical element of what it means to be missional in the world. That centrality was highlighted March 3 when Bishop Brian Wallace installed the Rev. Dr. Jin Cho as C4SO’s Canon for Racial Diversity and Justice at Restoration Abbey in San Marcos, CA.
“As Canon, Jin will help ensure that God’s vision for our diverse humanity both informs and drives our work,” Bishop Brian says.
This formalized role is an important step toward the kingdom vision of racial and ethnic diversity described in Revelation 7:9. While Jin has led the Rev. 7:9 Task Force for Racial Diversity and Inclusion since Bishop Todd launched it in 2019, the work of raising up women and men of color in our churches has grown deeper and broader to include the ongoing justice issues our country is facing.
“As I worked closely with Bishop Todd and the Rev. 7:9 Task Force, the last four years have been a time of learning and growth in understanding the scope and the breadth of the task,” says Jin, who holds a doctorate of ministry in “Race, Evangelicalism, and the Local Church” from Fuller Theological Seminary. “Now we believe that we are ready to take the next step to further formalize these values in the heart of C4SO.”
That means moving from what’s known as the Rev. 7:9 Task Force to the role of Canon for Racial Diversity and Justice, assisted by a Bishop-approved Racial Diversity and Justice Advisory Team—clergy of color and allies who will help guide and direct the work. Many members of the former Rev. 7:9 Task Force will serve on the Advisory Team. The Canon for Racial Diversity and Justice will report directly to Bishop Todd and Bishop Brian and participate in senior diocesan leadership, offering input where needed in racial diversity and justice concerns.
Among the new Canon’s responsibilities are providing care and advocacy for clergy of color; training and resourcing clergy and leaders to grow their passion for racial diversity and justice; and recruiting and supporting the growth of diverse clergy and future leaders.
“I am especially looking forward to providing support for upcoming leaders of color in partnership with Canon for Ordinations Amy Rozko, as well as C4SO’s Deans,” Jin says. “My team and I will provide training and mentoring for these new leaders, as well as to churches proactively moving toward diversity.”
In addition, Jin and his team will continue to teach workshops, lead book studies by authors of color, and host movie discussions that center non-white stories—all in an effort to promote and normalize C4SO conversations that center marginalized racial voices. The Racial Diversity and Justice Advisory Team will also continue to celebrate ethnic heritage months around the diocese.
“In his role as Canon for Racial Diversity and Justice, Jin will help diocesan leadership discern structural elements in C4SO that create obstacles for people of color, and propose solutions,” Bishop Todd says. “Moreover, he will facilitate much-needed courageous conversations about race relations in today’s fraught context.”
Learn more about Racial Diversity and Justice.