Dear friends in Christ,

At a recent conference on faithful gun violence prevention, amidst the presentations from public health researchers, public officials, clergy, and advocates, it was the voice of a high school student that captured the attention, and convicted the conscience, of everyone in the room. Madison described how, in her school, despite the lockdown drills, the close calls, the shooting down the street, no one talked about it. At a nearby high school, after the shooting happened, the corridor that contained the action was literally walled off, sealed shut, and nobody talked about it.

On Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend 2026, the Diocese of Michigan invites us to break the silence and open up the conversation. In conjunction with Team Enough, a movement of young people formed after the murders at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, the Diocese is offering the chance to learn about community organizing at the home, church, school, community, and state level, and how faithful organizing is part of our discipleship as Christians. 

As close neighbors, the Diocese of Ohio is invited to participate in the weekend-long Retreat. Bishop Anne plans to attend to affirm our commitment across dioceses and generations to address gun violence, and especially to support our youth.

High schoolers, their parents, and sponsoring parishes are invited to an informational Zoom with Canon Rosalind on Tuesday, November 4, at 6:00 p.m. You can also reach out any time by phone (216.774.0456) or email (rhughes@dohio.org), whether or not you can make the Zoom.

• The Episcopal Peace Fellowship Gun Violence Prevention Cohort spent most of its October meeting in prayer for the victims of violence locally and globally, and for the courage and inspiration to create peace. You are welcome to use, adapt, and share this prayer resource.

Becoming Beloved Community continuing conversations:

• Did you know that there is a Zoom gathering of people from the Diocese of Southern Ohio and the Diocese of Ohio on the third Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m.? It’s an informal time to check in, build, and maintain relationships between our annual bi-Diocesan Becoming Beloved Community retreats. Contact Canon Rosalind for the Zoom link.

As the days grow short and the shadows longer, be a light in the world, reflecting the love of God to everyone you meet, knowing that you are well-beloved.

Peace,

Rosalind+