Listening for Healing in Southern Maryland

On a low hill in Valley Lee, Maryland, St. george’s episcopal Church has stood for nearly four centuries—shaped by faith, community, and a history that includes both gathering and exclusion. Today, the congregation is actively listening for how the Holy Spirit is calling them to confront their past honestly and to seek deeper reconciliation with their neighbors.

A Shared Past, Long Unspoken

For generations, enslaved people contributed to the construction of St. George’s, yet worship within its walls was largely restricted to white congregants, with enslaved individuals relegated to a separate balcony. Just a few miles away, Bethesda United Methodist Church emerged in the early 1800s, becoming a vital spiritual center for a historically Black congregation. Despite their geographical proximity, the painful history that led to their separation remained largely unaddressed between the two churches.

The documentary, Shall We Gather, directly addresses this past silence.

A Film rooted in Listening — and Music

Shall We Gather is a fifty-minute documentary that facilitates a first-time conversation between members of both congregations regarding their shared history and its enduring impact. Directed by Naeem Cobb, an Emmy-nominated African American filmmaker, the film skillfully blends historical reflection, deeply personal storytelling, and the power of music to create a safe space for truth-telling, all grounded in the foundation of genuine relationship. Music, long utilized at st. George’s as a bridge across differences,serves as a shared language within the film—opening hearts,encouraging reflection,and fostering dialog where words alone might fall short. The film’s approach is rooted in restorative justice principles, recognizing that true reconciliation requires acknowledging harm and actively working towards repair.

The Importance of Reparations and Reconciliation

The historical context of slavery and segregation in the United States has created deep-seated systemic inequalities that continue to affect communities today. Pew Research Center data consistently demonstrates ongoing racial disparities in wealth, education, and healthcare. Thus, initiatives like Shall We Gather are crucial steps toward addressing these historical harms and fostering a more just and equitable future. The concept of reparations extends beyond financial compensation; it encompasses acknowledging the harm caused, offering apologies, and implementing policies that address systemic inequities.

An Invitation to Begin

Shall We Gather is not presented as a definitive conclusion, but rather as a vital beginning. Grounded in local history and sustained by authentic relationships, the project offers a tangible response to the growing call for reparations and reconciliation—work that demands communities listen with intention, speak with honesty, and remain open to profound transformation. In Valley Lee,this ongoing work manifests through continued conversation,the preservation of shared memories,and a deepening commitment to gathering in ways that are inclusive and equitable.

You’re invited to attend a screening of Shall We Gather on Saturday, January 24 at the Cole Cinema located at St. Mary’s College of Maryland Campus Center at either 2:00 or 4:30 p.m. Bishop mariann will be present at the 2:00 showing.

Come to listen, reflect, and witness how the Holy Spirit is at work through truth-telling, art, and community in Southern Maryland. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Reserve your seat