Heidi J. Kim, The Episcopal Church’s staff officer for racial reconciliation, has announced to Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and other colleagues, her intention to resign her staff position and return to the field of education. She joined the Presiding Bishop’s staff in 2014.
In her letter to the Presiding Bishop, Kim wrote she had accepted the position of Director of the Melrose Center for Servant Leadership at the Breck School, an Episcopal school outside of Minneapolis and part of the Episcopal Church of Minnesota. “I will have the opportunity to return to the field of education, develop strong relationships both within and outside of the school, travel less, and still remain immersed in our Episcopal identity and charism,” said Kim. “Even though Bishop Prior is retiring soon, I am also excited to work with him while he is still in Minnesota. This opportunity is a gift and blessing, and a wonderful fit for my personal and professional goals.”
“Episcopalians across the church know the difference Heidi Kim has made as our staff officer for racial reconciliation,” said the Rev. Canon Stephanie Spellers, canon to the Presiding Bishop for evangelism, reconciliation, and creation care. “Whether she’s keynoting a conference or strategizing for Becoming Beloved Community, her wisdom and humor and fierce love for all God’s people shine through. We wish her every blessing at Breck and look forward to a fruitful search for the next staff officer in this crucial ministry.”
As staff officer for racial reconciliation, Kim plays a key role in The Episcopal Church’s response to racial injustice. Her colleague, the Rev. Charles A. Wynder, Jr., staff officer for social justice and engagement, writes, “Heidi has significantly enhanced the will and capacity of The Episcopal Church and its people, congregations and institutions to deeply grapple with the “Why” of the work of racial justice and reconciliation. In doing so, she has been a catalyst for a deeper church-wide understanding that this work and ministry is part of our ongoing spiritual formation.”
Central to this work is Becoming Beloved Community, where all people may experience dignity and abundant life and see themselves and others as beloved children of God. “Heidi Kim has done a great service to the whole Episcopal Church by taking the mandate of General Convention and walking alongside parishes and dioceses as we express reconciliation and new and right relationships,” said the Rev. Melanie Mullen, director of reconciliation, justice, and creation care. “Through hundreds of workshops and coaching sessions, Heidi has helped us see through our hardest conversations about race, to the dream of living out our baptismal vows.”
Kim remains in her present position through June 30.