By Miguel Bustos

At the recent Inaugural Prayer Service at the National Cathedral, Bishop Mariann Budde’s remarks carried a profound resonance, both for the moment they were delivered and for the ongoing work of justice and reconciliation. Her words reminded us of our sacred responsibility as people of faith to speak the truth, especially in times of division, uncertainty, and inequity. As the manager for racial justice and reconciliation for The Episcopal Church, I was deeply moved by her courageous message of love and mercy, which called us to embody the Gospel’s liberating promise of justice for all.  Her remarks challenged and invited us to live into our baptismal covenant to “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.”

Her words carried a deeply personal significance to me as a gay, Latino, Episcopal clergy member. They affirmed the inclusive and transformative nature of our faith tradition, which recognizes the beauty of diversity and the sacred worth of every individual. The Episcopal Church has long stood as a beacon of hope and light, not only for those within its pews but for all who yearn for justice, healing, and reconciliation. Bishop Budde’s leadership in that moment embodied this light, showing us that our voice as a church can serve as a moral compass in uncertain times.

The work of racial justice and reconciliation is a tangible expression of the church’s commitment to this vision. We are creating spaces for honest reflection and collective action through initiatives like the Truth-Telling and Reparations Summit, the Becoming Beloved Community framework, and Sacred Ground dialogue circles. These efforts are not ancillary to our faith but are central to our calling as followers of Christ. They help us confront the legacy of systemic racism, colonialism, and exclusion that continues to wound our communities and institutions.  Our work stands at the intersection of hope and action, equipping dioceses and communities to engage in this sacred work with faithfulness and resolve.  

In an era when acts of hate and division threaten to erode our shared humanity, The Episcopal Church has a unique role as a bridge-builder. Through our national and global networks, we can amplify voices from the margins, foster understanding across differences, and advocate for systemic change. This work is not easy or quick. It requires patience, humility, and a steadfast commitment to the values of the Gospel.  

Bishop Budde’s words spoke to the need for courage and reminded us that our faith must be an active force for good in the world—a faith that does not retreat in fear but advances in love.  And they remind us of the prophetic role we are called to play—not as a church removed from the struggles of the world but as one deeply embedded within them, offering a vision of a beloved community where justice and mercy prevail. 

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The Rev. Miguel Bustos serves as The Episcopal Church’s manager for racial reconciliation and justice. He is also an archdeacon in the Episcopal Diocese of California.