The General Convention gathering is over, but we remain called to fulfill its theme and Engage God's Mission. Therefore, I am pleased to share with you the latest edition of Policy for Action -- The Social Policies of the Episcopal Church.

I am asked frequently to respond to the question, "Why should the church take stands on issues of public policy?" My answer is always the same. In the words of Jesus: "just as you did it to the least of these . . . you did it unto me." Americans are possessed of enormously generous spirits; our policies need to reflect our national spirit of generosity and caring rather than reflecting the immediate concerns of particular interest groups.

In the recitation  of our baptismal covenant, we are asked if we will, "strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being." We respond boldly, "I will, with God's help." The terms of the covenant are quite clear . They transcend denominational identity and root us in the historic faith of the undivided church. Just think of what would happen if God's justice and peace were our heart's desire, and the dignity of every human being our deepest concern. There would be a revolution, which is precisely what God's work, God's mission is all about.

Our Peace and Justice Ministries in New York and the Office of Government Relations in Washington play important roles in the work of God's mission. The church relies upon their ability to promote creative solutions through use of the storied via media or middle way. However, they cannot promote the change that we seek alone. Their efforts need our support.

Our religious voice in the public square is a staple of who we are as a part of the Anglican Communion and I strongly encourage you to become part of the Episcopal Public Policy Network (www.episcopalchurch.org/eppn), our grassroots activism network. We cannot be unaware of the world around us. Unawareness is a form of self-protection and it is also a form of bondage. It keeps us safe within the prison of our biases and judgements all the while convincing us that we possess the truth.

We live in a world that cries out for reconciliation, and reconciliation, as our Prayer Book tells us is nothing less than the mission of the church. Let us go forth and show in our lives our commitment to our brothers and sisters at home and around the world. We must do the work we have been given to do, wherever and whenever it is found.

Yours in Christ,

Frank T. Griswold
Presiding Bishop and Primate