I was baptized at an Episcopal Church and went to an Episcopal elementary school in Boston so being Episcopalian was part of my heritage from the beginning. Over time, however, I developed a distrust of "the frozen chosen" and attending church didn't seem like a place I could find a connection to spirit. Ten years ago I realized that my distrust needed re-examining so I decided, in 2001, to give church a try and I started coming to Trinity.

Understanding our baptismal covenant has made me realize that it was the earliest call to take a stand against racism and other forms of injustice in my life. Little did I know how important my baptismal covenant would become. For most of my life I have participated in anti-racism education in communities of color, with white folks, and with young people, but I grew eager to confront institutional racism in a faith-based context.

For two years, I tried to organize an anti-racism ministry at Trinity (others had worked diligently as well prior to my attempts) but it wasn't until I took a four-month course on Self-Expression and Leadership with Landmark Education that I had a break-through. I met with a member of the parish clergy to discuss this issue and she encouraged the convening the first anti-racism group at Trinity. Our collective work is starting to have an impact. I am convinced that Trinity has the power to transform itself in this domain and to deepen our integrity as Christians.

As Trinity's commitment to the work of anti-racism has increased, my attachment to Trinity has grown in an unexpected way. Three years ago I gave birth to baby Rhiannon and thereupon I quickly came to learn about Trinity's wonderful children's ministry. I want our daughter to have a nurturing spiritual home and a positive Christian upbringing which are gifts that I didn't get. Rhiannon already wants to sing in the choir. She loves receiving communion and has lots of fun at the nursery. My little girl feels at home in this big house of God. She is showing me how to feel at home here too and so is the anti-racism ministry. For these two big blessings I feel deep gratitude.

—Madeline McNeely Esposito