A TREE PLANTED BY THE WATER
Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being? - Baptismal Covenant in the Book of Common Prayer, pg. 305
I had the opportunity to represent Berkeley Preparatory School at the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) Biennial Conference last week in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the course of three days, workshops were offered to reflect on the rhythm and life of schools, with a particular emphasis on Episcopal identity. We wrestled with how to navigate challenging times in the world and on campuses, boldly proclaiming God in the midst of struggle and confusion. We explored various ways to maintain focus on common prayer and belonging, while acknowledging that our families do hold diverse political, social, or ideological viewpoints.
Above all, we were called to return to the core of Episcopal identity, as found in the Baptismal Covenant in the Book of Common Prayer:
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God's help.
To strive for justice is to strive for wholeness. And wholeness is evident when every single one of God’s children is able to live freely and without fear. Divisions and judgment and tribalism and oppression all stand as obstacles to wholeness, and therefore hinder avenues to justice. And the only way to make progress is to respect the dignity of every human being.
Hands down, Thursday evening was the highlight of the conference, with a sermon given by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Reverend Michael Curry. His words on love in trying times were an extension of what he preached at the Royal Wedding. In the days after that ceremony, he recalled being interviewed by TMZ, when a reporter provoked him with the question, “This all sounds beautiful, but is it really possible to love everyone?” Presiding Bishop Curry paused for a minute, and then answered with a resounding yes, going on to say that the effort is greatly assisted by nourishment that comes from community. He hearkened back to words from the Prophet Jeremiah, who said,
Here at Berkeley Preparatory School, we seek to be those waters of nourishment, offering an environment where justice, respect, and love flow with greater ease. I have witnessed students and faculty engage in healthy dialogue and debate, where a safe space is provided to claim a variety of perspectives. I have seen our campus boldly come together for common causes, looking to alleviate the sufferings of fellow humans. I have noticed the care and attention given to one another on a daily basis. Striving for justice and respecting the dignity of every human being is not just a hope for us, but an expectation. In keeping this immovable standard, not only do we reflect the heart of Episcopal identity, but we also perpetuate our haven of freedom and diversity.
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I had the opportunity to represent Berkeley Preparatory School at the National Association of Episcopal Schools (NAES) Biennial Conference last week in Atlanta, Georgia. Over the course of three days, workshops were offered to reflect on the rhythm and life of schools, with a particular emphasis on Episcopal identity. We wrestled with how to navigate challenging times in the world and on campuses, boldly proclaiming God in the midst of struggle and confusion. We explored various ways to maintain focus on common prayer and belonging, while acknowledging that our families do hold diverse political, social, or ideological viewpoints.
Above all, we were called to return to the core of Episcopal identity, as found in the Baptismal Covenant in the Book of Common Prayer:
Celebrant Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being?
People I will, with God's help.
To strive for justice is to strive for wholeness. And wholeness is evident when every single one of God’s children is able to live freely and without fear. Divisions and judgment and tribalism and oppression all stand as obstacles to wholeness, and therefore hinder avenues to justice. And the only way to make progress is to respect the dignity of every human being.
Hands down, Thursday evening was the highlight of the conference, with a sermon given by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, The Most Reverend Michael Curry. His words on love in trying times were an extension of what he preached at the Royal Wedding. In the days after that ceremony, he recalled being interviewed by TMZ, when a reporter provoked him with the question, “This all sounds beautiful, but is it really possible to love everyone?” Presiding Bishop Curry paused for a minute, and then answered with a resounding yes, going on to say that the effort is greatly assisted by nourishment that comes from community. He hearkened back to words from the Prophet Jeremiah, who said,
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord,
whose trust is the Lord.
They shall be like a tree planted by water,
sending out its roots by the stream.
It shall not fear when heat comes,
and its leaves shall stay green;
in the year of drought it is not anxious,
and it does not cease to bear fruit. [17:7-8]
Here at Berkeley Preparatory School, we seek to be those waters of nourishment, offering an environment where justice, respect, and love flow with greater ease. I have witnessed students and faculty engage in healthy dialogue and debate, where a safe space is provided to claim a variety of perspectives. I have seen our campus boldly come together for common causes, looking to alleviate the sufferings of fellow humans. I have noticed the care and attention given to one another on a daily basis. Striving for justice and respecting the dignity of every human being is not just a hope for us, but an expectation. In keeping this immovable standard, not only do we reflect the heart of Episcopal identity, but we also perpetuate our haven of freedom and diversity.
Berkeley Preparatory School
Founded in 1960, Berkeley is an independent, Episcopal, college-preparatory day school located in Tampa, FL, for boys and girls in grades Pre-Kindergarten through 12. Approximately 1,400 students gather here from the greater Tampa Bay area to form ONE Berkeley.