Speaking during a previously scheduled Nov. 6th zoom call, The Rt. Rev. Rob Wright, bishop of The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, reminded clergy of the biblical story of the Widow’s Mite, a tale of giving from one’s heart, even when resources are scarce.
Wright said clergy should give what they can and not let their emotions steal their ability to witness to all Episcopalians. They can serve as a beacon of unity and hope by praying together and supporting one another, he said.
While it’s essential to acknowledge that our feelings are valid and essential, Wright said in a Facebook message that clergy and parishioners alike must foremost be partisans for Jesus.
“If we are despairing today, despair must not steal our witness to our hope in Christ. If we are rejoicing today, rejoicing must not steal our witness to Christ’s compassion for neighbor. If we are partisans, let us be partisan for Jesus Christ in every season. Grieve or celebrate as you must, but our work continues,” Wright said.
Parishioners also received messages of hope from their clergy.
Milledgeville’s St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church posted an early morning message asking them to say the following prayer “for our own work for the common good.”
Almighty God our heavenly Father, you declare your glory and show forth your handiwork in the heavens and in the earth: Deliver us in our various
occupations from the service of self alone, that we may do the work you give us to do in truth and beauty and for the common good; for the sake of him who came among us as one who serves, your
Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
The Rev. Sarah Fisher of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta, invited her community to join a Nov. 6th Compline service on Facebook. Fisher said this gathering would provide a space for everyone to share their emotions and find solace in the power of prayer. Through unity, love, and fellowship in Grod, the parish will continue to move forward together, Fisher said.
In a message to St. Catherine’s parishioners, Fisher emphasized that their response to these emotions is what truly matters and encouraged everyone to embrace their feelings.
“We are a purple parish—united in Christ but divided politically. Some of us are rejoicing and relieved; some are filled with despair and are feeling deep fear; some of us are indifferent or numb. Our feelings are important and holy. And they are all valid. Feelings and emotions are morally neutral—neither good nor bad. How we respond to them is up to us but feeling them is essential. So today, I hope you will feel whatever feelings you have,” Fisher said.
St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church – Atlanta, GA posted a traditional prayer for Our Country from the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer.
“Almighty God, who has given us this good land for our heritage: We humbly ask that we may always prove ourselves a people mindful of your favor and glad to do your will. Bless our land with honorable industry, sound learning, and pure manners. Save us from violence, discord, and confusion; from pride and arrogance, and from every evil way. Defend our liberties, and fashion us into one united people. Endue with the spirit of wisdom those to whom in your name we entrust the authority of government, that there may be justice and peace at home, and that, through obedience to your law, we may show forth your praise among the nations of the earth. In the time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in you to fail; all which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Candler School of Theology seminarian Marycelis Otero, currently assigned to Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta, posted a Facebook reel reflecting on the current political challenges our country faces. Reminding viewers of their shared humanity and the love of God, Otero emphasized the importance of prayer, compassion, and empathy in the midst of emotional turmoil.
Otero offered comfort and encouragement as our nation navigates the outcomes of the 2024 election. She urged her viewers to come together and seek the peace and serenity that she said only faith can provide.
Otero acknowledged the struggles people may face following the election and emphasized the need to lean on each other for support and guidance. She said that by embracing the promises of Christian faith and allowing ourselves to be guided by the Holy Spirit the faithful can find the wisdom, love, and peace we need to navigate these uncertain times.
Her message reminded viewers that they are never alone on their journey.
Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe sent a post-election message to The Episcopal Church called for unity, compassion, and reconciliation following President Trump’s re-election to a second term.
Rowe, installed as presiding bishop just days before the election, reaffirmed The Church’s commitment to seeking and serving Christ in all persons, regardless of political affiliations. His message also emphasized the importance of upholding the teachings of Jesus by supporting the most vulnerable and working towards justice, peace, and the protection of human dignity for all.
Rowe encouraged members of The Episcopal Church to remain agents of peace and reconciliation in their communities, actively combating misinformation and promoting unity amidst political division.
