UBE EXEMPLARY ALLY AWARDS
The vision of the Church Pension Group, “to provide our clients with the highest possible level of financial security in retirement consistent with exemplary financial stewardship on our part and with the evolving needs of the Church” provides the primary impetus for the mutually beneficial partnership Church Pension Group has forged and maintained with the Union of Black Episcopalians for many years. CPG has been a major donor towards UBE’s Annual Business Meeting and Conference, contributing financially and faithfully sending key organizational representatives every year. This connection has kept UBE clergy membership apprised of research being undertaken of special interest to persons of color as well as of benefits of importance to clergy and laity alike. Most significantly, CPG has and continues to undertake bold and innovative initiatives to make certain CPG is doing more than merely identifying evolving needs. Within the last decade alone Church Pension Group, and its Church Publishing, Inc. arm, have partnered with UBE in the launch of our quarterly virtual “We’re Talking Now” series, has provided UBE members with discounts on book purchases, has spearheaded the analysis of clergy compensation data to provide insight into the Church’s treatment of minorities and has facilitated the offering of a CREDO wellness affinity group offering specifically for clergy of color and will do so again in 2023.
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When asked to share why the relationship with the Union has been a priority for CPG, Anne Malloney, former Chief Ecclesiastical Officer for CPG writes, “As with all good relationships where the parties involved positively impact one another, CPG has benefited uniquely from this one. In order to fulfill its purpose to serve the lay employees and clergy who serve the Episcopal Church, CPG must remain alert to the changing needs and evolving concerns of the Church. UBE has been a faithful partner as a source of information, honest feedback, and crucial connection to important constituents. For example, UBE and its membership helped CPG prove out our affinity CREDO model by their early participation in this program. Its success affirmed the wisdom of this approach as another option in our core educational offerings for clergy. Similarly, it was because of UBE’s partnership that CPG was able to get the word out to Clergy of Color asking for important demographic data to help the Church address issues of equity and parity…There are too many examples to list here, but the message I want to convey is the importance of the UBE relationship to the Church Pension Group.” Through its rewarding partnership with the Union, Church Pension Group attests to the value of the voice and presence of black Episcopalians and other persons of color in The Episcopal Church and further demonstrates the Church’s efforts to achieve God’s Beloved Community amongst all its members.
Union of Black Episcopalians (UBE)
