While serving a church in the Newhallville neighborhood in New Haven, I had the opportunity to be involved in several actions led by the Elm City Congregations Organized (ECCO). I was deeply committed to the work, and in fact, I felt called to it. When I was younger, my mother used to say to me, “you are always pushing the envelope.” Seeking justice is just how I am oriented and it greatly shapes my ministry.
When I became a faith leader, it was important for me not only to stand against social injustice, but also to stand with the oppressed to change systems of oppression. I witnessed firsthand through my engagement with ECCO, CORE, and the CT Center for a New Economy the power of organizing to empower people and change systems. I believe that before people are able to fully receive and respond to the radical call of the Gospel, church has to address those concrete systems and structures that bind them and steal their joy. The work of faith-filled organizing gives people tools that they can use in empowering themselves to be agents of their own change and change on a broader scale.
When I interviewed to be the rector of St. Monica’s Episcopal Church in Hartford’s North End, leadership asked me: “Rev. Tracy, if you come and be our minister, will you teach us how to go out into the community and build relationships?” I was like YES; this is so what God called me to do! The work of organizing is building relationships. My church has been engaged in some good ministries that focus on the immediate and often urgent physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of others, but they are now excited to come together in new and uncharted ways. They are excited to utilize organizing principles to answer God’s call to love our neighbors, stand with the marginalized, and work with God for a more just society. There is a real desire to build deeper relationships with one another and with the community.
My church has been excited about my participation over the last two years in establishing the Greater Hartford Sponsoring Committee. I have a core group wanting to engage in the Core Team and members currently going through the organizing training. When I got here, I used the organizing principle of the one-to-one meeting with homebound folks who had not been visited in a long time, as well as with key leaders. Listening to what their passions are, what they are excited about, what their hearts break for, and what they want to change has greatly informed my ministry.
People may think that I am a daredevil; however, it has been important to me to have the support of this multi-faith clergy team journeying with me. The relationships of trust that have and continue to be cultivated has deeply moved me in many ways, and the new learnings and conversations continue to stretch me beyond my comfort zone.
Reverend Tracy Johnson Russell, Rector
St. Monica’s Episcopal Church
3575 Main Street
