In June, the Episcopal Diocese of New York invited us all to participate in “#One Single Act.” In partnership with the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, Episcopal Charities, Episcopal Divinity School and the Interfaith Center of New York, this initiative is an online campaign that encourages reaching out to others from a place of heartfelt kindness. The goal is that individuals and groups will do one act that embodies our Gospel values, post that act online, and then invite others to do the same.
The window of opportunity for initial posting is from July 1 through October 8. During those 100 days, the goal is to accumulate at least 100 posts; each act contributing to a normalizing of compassion in a world that sorely needs it. Here’s the description:
Every day, in our news and our neighborhoods, we encounter examples of cruelty, carelessness, and chaos. But there’s a better way. Our faith calls us to something deeper: a culture shaped by care, connection and courage. We can bring our values to collaborations with partners of diverse faiths and backgrounds. We all have a chance to shape the culture around us. One act. One post. One ripple. Together, we’re building a culture of generosity and hope.
I can call to mind many recent examples of people in our Holy Apostles Community building such a culture. Each time this happens it is a beautiful offering—with or without an online record of the deed. But if you would like to post to the campaign, here is a link with more information: https://dioceseny.org/onesingleact/.
Again and again in the Gospels Jesus links faith with action. At a time when it is easy to feel helpless and overwhelmed, #OneSingleAct reminds us that we can insist on an alternative—love for love’s sake, as Jesus commands.
