Episcopal Church leaders responded to news of a bullet grazing former President Donald Trump's ear at a Pennsylvania campaign rally July 13 with calls to prayer and calming words for a troubled nation.
More than 2,000 people, plus an online audience, joined Presiding Bishop Michael Curry in his last revival in that role. Applause, laugher, and cheers punctuated his sermon.
“I think I was elected to help the church to reclaim our faith in Jesus Christ — to see Jesus of Nazareth and his way of love as the defining paradigm for what it means to be a Christian, and to not be apologetic about that.”
I did not anticipate early morning FaceTime conversations about the Buffalo Bills and America’s Got Talent, or the relative merits of various brands of hot sauce.
He made the sign of the cross on my forehead, held his hands on my head and offered an earnest prayer. He said “Amen” in that deep, rich voice, and then looked me in the eyes and said, “Now go preach the gospel, my brother.”
There is a joy in him that reminds me of other great faith leaders, like Archbishop Desmond Tutu. You cannot be with Bishop Michael without a smile making its way across your face.
Bishop Curry’s accomplishments, inspirational sermons, sage wisdom, and steady urging to follow in the ways of Jesus are already filling books on our shelves.
