by the Rev. Donna Jean Kiessling
Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission, chairperson

This week a community of people numbering from 17 to 36 finished Bishop Brown’s Epiphany book study on We Survived the End of the World: Lessons from Native America on Apocalypse and Hope by Bishop Steven Charleston. Each weekly discussion was energized with the lessons learned by Native Americans who while experiencing apocalyptic events were able to stay connected to Spirit and hold onto hope to take the next step in moving forward.

Charleston looked at apocalypse as a process that begins with a catastrophic actual event which leads to a revelation when we seek understanding that calls us to action in a life affirming way. Charleston noted that actual apocalyptic events can be cosmic (i.e. natural disasters, pandemics), social unrest (i.e. wars, oppression, injustice) and personal (i.e. death, depression, disease, abuse). While the first we don’t have much control in preventing, the second human beings create much of it ourselves. Therefore, we can change much of it and can alter the path of history. He states 90 percent of our success will be in showing up.

One of the ways Charleston says we can empower ourselves for change is through education. As an example, a study was done on refugees and asylees in this country from 2005 to 2019 showing they have had a positive impact on the U.S. economy. We commend the full article found HERE. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and Julia Alaya Harris, President of the House of Deputies, issued a letter found HERE that contains a list of actions individuals can do — published by the Office of Public Affairs of the Episcopal Church. We are not helpless. We have great hope and the Holy Spirit to guide us.

The Commission is aware of two parishes who are also studying this book as well as St. Andrew’s Episcopal School who will be reading it later in the year. In addition, we have heard from several people who were unable to attend a study and read the book themselves, finding it empowering.

The Racial Justice and Reconciliation Commission thanks Bishop Brown and every person who made time to read this important book very relevant to our culture today. If you have not had a chance to read this book, we continue to highly recommend it.