Speak Up, Act Up, Stand Up, and Make a Difference

Anglican Mark of Mission #4:
To Seek to Transform Unjust Structures
of Society

It is late. And yet I am wide awake. This is my fourth General Convention. The business - the ministry - the new and old connections - have stimulated me and filled my entire being with renewed hope for The Episcopal Church - for the people of God. While we are not the same - our diversity is great - we come together because we believe in God's kingdom - revealed in Jesus Christ - on earth as it is in heaven. A kingdom now - in the present - in the moment - that we are called to bring to birth - a kingdom of justice  - freedom - and peace. Gone are the days of this being a longed for ideal. Today I once again feel God's spirit moving - challenging us  -  "to speak up, act up, stand up, and make a difference" in transforming a society disfigured by injustice, hatred, and fear. I am ready and willing to do so. Are you?

Joan Beilstein

The Rev. Dr. Joan Beilstein is the Chair of the Convention Deputation and Rector of Ascension Episcopal Church, Silver Spring, MD