Dear Trinity Church and friends, 

In her book, Running while Black, New York Times best-selling author, Alison Mariella Désir, writes: “My story is a running journey, but at its heart, it’s a story for anyone who has experienced the harm and powerlessness that comes from not fitting into society’s expectations, anyone who has ever existed in the margins.” Of course, as we approach Holy Week, we as Christians know about the unfathomable harm and powerlessness God in Christ experienced when Jesus did not fit into his society’s expectations.  

Leaning into the energy and opportunities of Boston’s Marathon weekend, Trinity Church is honored to host Alison Mariella Désir as the guest speaker for the 2024 Anne Berry Bonnyman Symposium held Friday, April 12, through Sunday, April 14. Ms. Désir is multi-talented: a founder, an activist, a connector, a visionary and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for movement, mental health, and racial equity. Learn more about her here.  

In our conversations about running, race, and renewal, Ms. Désir will be joined by the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, an accomplished long-distance runner and bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis. Learn more about Bishop Jennifer here. 

The Anne Berry Bonnyman Symposium (ABBS) seeks a living platform for addressing systemic racism by presenting public events that promote deep introspection. The Symposium honors Trinity Church’s former Rector, the Reverend Anne Berry Bonnyman for her active commitment to social justice. In partnership with Trinity Church’s sister organization, Trinity Boston Connects, this year’s ABBS embraces leaders and organizations who have created inclusive and brave community space in the context of running. We will celebrate the Joy of Running, Belonging, and Community and learn about physical, mental, and spiritual health to build a more equitable and supportive community that addresses systemic racism. 

Please see below the schedule of events for runners and nonrunners, alike: 

Early April, Zoom & Trinity Church 

Trinity will host two book discussions on Ms. Désir’s book Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport that Wasn’t Built for Us.  

Tuesday, April 2 6:30-8:00 pm on Zoom

Sunday, April 7 12:30-2:00 pm in-person in the Ferris Library at Trinity Church 

Friday, April 12 4-6 pm, Trinity Church 

Youth-Focused Community Event 

Alison Mariella Désir will read from her book and answer questions, then lead a short run/walk followed by pizza at Trinity. This event will be co-sponsored, and there will be exciting giveaways for youth! 

Saturday, April 13 11 am-2 pm, Trinity Church 

Joy of Running and Belonging 

11 am – 1:15 pm Presentation by Alison Mariella Désir, lunch served at 12 pm, and panel discussion with Ms. Désir, Bishop Jennifer, and Adrienne R. Benton (Boston Athletic Association Board of Governors) moderated by the Very Rev. Dr. Michael Battle. 

1:15 pm Audience Q&A and book signing with Ms. Désir 

Sunday, April 14 11:15 am-12 pm, Trinity Church 

Joy in Community 

Presentation by Alison Mariella Désir followed by a discussion with Bishop Jennifer & Dr. Battle, and audience Q&A 

Other happenings on Sunday:  

• Worship services at 8 am, 10 am, and 5 pm with Blessing of the Runners 
• Coffee Hour 9 am 
• Coffee Hour and further discussions 3 pm 

To assist in our planning, please register for the events here.

Always peace,

The Very Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, Theologian-in-Community