In late May, Episcopal News Service ran an article on the Episcopal Community. Part of the first paragraph caught my attention: “working to build a community of prayer and mutual support as they seek to live out the Baptismal Covenant.” The Baptismal Covenant has been an important part of my spirituality since I began attending St. Mark’s, so I was intrigued enough to do some more exploration.
According to the article, most of the initial Episcopal Community members belong/belonged to the organization Daughters of the King. The new organization is based on a desire for an organization that was more clearly connected to the Episcopal Church and with greater accountability for members as they live out their vows. The ultimate goal is to help members become God’s hands and heart and voice in the world.
According to the community’s web site, every Episcopal woman who becomes a member of the community is committed to God and one another by taking a vow to observe the community’s rule of life, which is based on the baptismal covenant and focuses on four areas: to grow in one’s relationship with God; to connect with others and nourish relationships; to support the community and fellow members; and to serve others and the whole of creation. The beauty of this rule is that it is general enough to allow each member to create her own rule of life that allows her to honor her life situation and how God is calling her to be at that time. Each member will revisit her individual rule annually to see if God is inviting her to make changes.
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At the end of June, I submitted my letter of intent to study for membership in the community. While I was attracted to the focus of the community on the baptismal covenant, its flexibility in members’ rules of life, and that sexual orientation is no barrier to membership, I took the issue to prayer and talked about my desire for membership with people that I trust. Discernment doesn’t end with my letter of intent. I will start a six-month study using the book Benedict’s Toolbox: The Nuts and Bolts of Everyday Benedictine Living by the Rev. Jane Tomaine, an Episcopal priest from the Diocese of Newark. Halfway through my study period, the community and I will make a decision together: do I become a member or not? If so, I’ll finish the final three months of study and take my vows as a member of the community. Please pray for me as I start my study period.
If you are interested in learning more, see the community’s web site.
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Prayer of The Episcopal Community
Almighty God, you have called us into covenant through the promises made at baptism and strengthened us for service through your Holy Spirit. Renew within us the power of that Spirit, and lead us, that in our journey into the fullness of your peace, we may bear witness in the world to your redeeming love. Give us each an inquiring mind and discerning heart, the courage to will and to persevere, a spirit to know and love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Support us with your presence, O Lord, throughout our ministry. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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