Dear Members of the Episcopal Church in Central Pennsylvania,
Recent events in our country—a school shooting in Colorado; the murder of Charlie Kirk; the attack and killing of several in a Michigan congregation at prayer; and, in our own diocese, the shooting dead of three police in York and the injuring of two others—have prompted me to offer a pastoral message. Amid a world torn with war and strife, there is plenty of reason to lament and grieve. The events within our own nation bring a local focus and have been horrific to witness. The violence and mayhem unleashed by these murderous attacks have created fear and uneasiness in our communities. What will be next? The current government shutdown forecasts change ahead that will affect a large number of federal workers, have untold ramifications on our economy and, with attendant policy work hanging in the balance, may put the most vulnerable among us and their needs for healthcare in jeopardy. Our country is fractured and deeply divided; those of opposing viewpoints are unable to talk across the aisle and move us forward. Regardless of one’s political views, the rancor and vitriol are dispiriting and infecting our community, church and personal relationships.
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In this week’s Gospel lesson from Luke (Luke 17:5-10), the disciples cry to Jesus, “Increase our faith!” and, indeed, in these days it may seem as though a greater faith is needed to find our way. But Jesus tells the disciples that they have faith enough—even faith as tiny as a mustard seed. Faith is not a commodity that in greater quantities yields “better results.” Faith is actually a process by which we recognize the power of God and our call to live as God’s beloved, using what God has given us to minister to our neighbors and boldly reach out to change the world.
I pray that each of us in our diocese will examine the gifts we have been given and discern what we can do, individually and collectively, to promote reconciliation and peace. While world events may feel overwhelming, the efforts of each of us are what will bring change. In Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians (I Cor 12:29), he writes, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?” No, but we have the diversity of gifts given by the same Spirit for the healing of the nations.
As Christians, we are called to follow Christ and to live according to the values that he proclaimed: Compassion, Inclusion, Justice and Love. Using these Gospel principles, we can see what in the world around us is just, and what needs our efforts to re-align. We are called—yea, compelled—by our baptismal vows to work for wholeness and peace if only by doing a small thing in our own homes, communities or churches, to make things better. Showing kindness to someone with whom we disagree, deeply listening to their point of view, advocating for issues with our legislators, giving charitably in our communities—these efforts do make a difference.
As the leader of our diocese, please know that I stand with others in leadership in The Episcopal Church who decry unjust and illegal processes that detain American citizens. I stand with those who believe that LGBTQ+ individuals are beloved children of God who bless our Church with their presence. I stand with those who deserve access to affordable healthcare and affordable housing. I stand against the tide of Christian Nationalism which has co-opted the faith of the Church and been used to advance White Supremacy and condone racism, sexism and a narrow national expression of faith. These are positions of our Church—and mine—that reflect Jesus’ teaching and that, by faith, we are called to address. I know that many of you across the diocese are active in this work already. If you are wondering how to join in serving Christ’s mission, know that there are groups in our diocese that are working to Dismantle Racism, support Creation Care, assist the re-settled through Migration Ministries, and put an end to Gun Violence. Your participation in any of these groups would be most welcome.
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At the beginning of each calendar year, I take on a small project. This year’s project is to photograph the sunrise each day. After the first month or so of capturing the early morning sky, I came to realize that I was not photographing the sunrise itself, but the moments before the sun came over the horizon. In this time just before dawn I have found great hope, when the darkness of the night is fading and the promise of the new day is being revealed.
God will not leave us comfortless. As we work for reconciliation and peace, we do so knowing that in God all things can be made new, that God is faithful, and that, through God, all manner of things shall be well.
In the Way of Love,
