A new diocesan committee, the Micah 6 Commission, was launched at an organizational meeting on Monday, Feb. 17. Conceived by Bishop Rob in recognition of the fact that so many of the issues we face in the world—racism, environmental degradation, educational, health care and economic inequities—are interwoven, the new commission replaces the former separate commissions dedicated to Reconciliation, Earth Care, and Our Kids.
The Micah 6 Commission prayerfully seeks to discern how the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire can follow the words of Micah 6:8, to “do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God,” as we witness Christ’s love to a world continually in need. “The requirement of God that we work towards justice, mercy, and humility is the aim of lifelong Christian discipleship,” said Bishop Rob. The Micah 6 commission will work ‘at the speed of relationship’ so that spiritual discernment of our role in repair and reconciliation comes through a sense of community call.” The commission will strive to partner wherever it can with agencies, both religious and secular, that are already effectively carrying out God’s mission.
At the meeting, members reflected on Micah 6:8 together and learned more from the Bishop about the “charge” to the commission. They also heard from Chair, the Rev. Derek Scalia of St. James’, Keene, about the background work that led to the commission and from Canon to the Ordinary Tina Pickering, diocesan staff liaison, about organizational logistics, beginning with 1:1 meetings to build common ground and deep relationship. April 11-12, members will go on retreat together at the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center, during which the commission will set group norms, roles and responsibilities, and talk about community partners and congregational relationships. Members will also begin to develop a map of the work, including looking at the efforts of the Reparations Task Force, budgeting, grant work, and more. The commission will meet monthly on the first Tuesday of the month.
In addition to Scalia and Pickering, the Micah 6 Commission is comprised of: Rev. Jean Beniste, St. Paul’s, Concord; Seth Bonvouloir, Grace Church, Manchester; Kristen Gowdy, St. Thomas’, Dover; Rev. Shawn LaFrance, Grace Church, Concord; Rev. Susan Langle, Epiphany Church, Newport; Rev. William Petersen, All Saints,’ Wolfeboro; John Rowntree, Good Shepherd, Nashua; Robert Siewierski, St. Stephen’s, Colebrook; Deborah Szauter, St. Paul’s Lancaster; and Ashley Wade, St. John’s, Portsmouth.
“At the core of the Christian faith is a commitment to love God and to love neighbor,” said Bishop Rob. “We seek to reflect as best as we can the compassion that Jesus felt to the lost, the least, and the last among us. I am so grateful that the inaugural members of the Micah 6 commission are so eager to discern in deep prayer and courage how we can most effectively share the love of Christ in our communities.”