From the Rector…
This week, I have the great honor of attending the National Security Forum at Maxwell’s War College. In preparation for the three-day event, we were assigned extensive reading material on China, Russia, space, and the future. First, let me say I had no idea how big a threat China really is to our national security and the stability of the current world order. Second, because of that threat, I encourage you to stop buying all things made in China—which is impossible but even trying to reduce your spending on Chinese products and with Chinese corporations like Temu and Shein helps. The reduction of spending is not about perfection, it’s about intention. Every effort, no matter how small, contributes to a broader defense of our nation and values.
China is a significant threat and the current strategy exercised by the United States and her Pacific friends is a policy of deterrence—making the environment unfavorable for Chinese aggression to escalate. One of the ways the U.S. and other Pacific countries—think Australia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan—maintain an environment of deterrence is through their partnership with one another. By standing together, these nations create an environment that discourages Chinese aggression, particularly toward Taiwan. Our strength lies in our unity and shared commitment to peace and stability.
One of our readings included a transcript from a recent U.S.–China Economic and Security Review Commission hearing. Testimony from representatives of the Philippines, Japan, and Australia emphasized the need to deepen alliances. Their message was clear: strong relationships are vital to this strategy of deterrence.
Though most of us don’t live in a world in which geopolitical concerns are our daily bread, the comments and focus of the testimony reminded me how important it is that we too, cultivate relationships with those who are like-minded in our core values, especially as Christians.
We, too, are called to build and strengthen relationships grounded in shared values. As Episcopalians, we do this by showing up: for worship, for formation, for fellowship, and for service. Just as our national alliances signal strength, our presence within the Body of Christ strengthens our spiritual community and offers a visible sign of hope and love in the world.
Though we may not think about it often, we are engaged in a spiritual battle—a cosmic struggle between light and darkness. And like our national allies, we are stronger when we stand together. When we gather in faith, we reflect the light of Christ more powerfully than any one of us can alone.
In our unity, we nurture one another, bear witness to God’s love, and help bring forth the kingdom of heaven here on earth. And in doing so, perhaps we also deter the forces that seek to divide and diminish us.