Reverend Mary asks Lincoln Heights council to back ‘Beloved Community’ truth‑and‑reconciliation grant; council offers oral support

Reverend Mary, pastor at Saint Simon’s Episcopal Church, urged the Lincoln Heights Village Council on July 28 to support a Truth‑and‑Reconciliation‑style process to help heal longstanding wounds between Lincoln Heights and neighboring communities.

Reverend Mary described the project as a community‑led process modeled on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and said the Episcopal Church’s Beloved Community grant would fund facilitators and local engagement. “We are going to apply for that grant,” she said, adding that St. Simon’s cannot run the process alone and hopes to partner with local churches, businesses and the village.

Solicitor Deepak Desai told council the grant deadline falls during the August recess and recommended an oral motion of support so the application can list the village as a partner. Council moved and seconded an oral statement of support; the motion carried with members saying “Aye.”

Council members asked practical questions about what the grant would cover and what role the village would play. Reverend Mary replied the funds would primarily cover the cost of hiring experienced facilitators and that detailed plans would be brought back if the grant is awarded. She offered to meet individually with council members to refine the application.

The council’s oral motion does not commit the village to a specific binding expenditure; the solicitor said a formal resolution of support could be placed on the next agenda if further action is needed. The applicant said she will return with more details and contact information that council can include in the formal application.