How Faith Sustains Our Work Toward Justice

This fall, the new season of Trinity’s Discovery faith education series explores how faithful Christians have shaped American history and asks us to consider our role in making the future.

Discovery has always been a place to ask real questions about faith and how it impacts our present. This year is no different. In light of America’s 250th anniversary and the increasing pressure and polarization we feel today, we’re taking a closer look at our country’s history and engaging with Christian thinkers who’ve shaped our beliefs — and our nation. 

We begin with sessions exploring two American theologians, civil rights leader Howard Thurman and monk Thomas Merton, who lived through periods of great upheaval similar to our own and whose faith propelled them to work for change.

Our conversation kicks off on September 27 with the Rev. Michael Bird, Trinity’s vicar, whose ministry has been deeply influenced by Thurman’s writings. Shively Smith joins on October 4, speaking to us about Thurman’s interpretation of the Bible. Thurman’s theology centers the ways we can be God’s hands and feet in the world, moving toward justice through both practical care for our neighbors and a rich contemplative life. 

“The willingness to be to another human being what is needed at the time that the need is most urgent and most acutely felt — this is to participate in a precise act of redemption,” Thurman writes in his book Disciples of the Spirit. “This is to stand for one intimate moment in loco dei in the life of another — that is, to make available what has already been given to us.”

On October 11, in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day, scholars Chris Hoklotubbe and Danny Zacharias join us to discuss their book, Reading the Bible on Turtle Island: An Invitation to North American Indigenous Interpretation, and enrich our thinking by highlighting what Indigenous communities can teach us about understanding Scripture.
 

In pondering our past while looking toward our future, we’re emphasizing that seasons of change require grounded wisdom and muscular faith.

We turn our attention to Thomas Merton’s theological wisdom on October 18 and 25, led by John Deuel, from the Guild for Spiritual Guidance, and the acclaimed writer Sophronia Scott. A Trappist monk, Merton saw mysticism and its fruit — fearlessness — as keys to social action. 

Tenderly addressing God, Merton writes, “I will not fear, for You are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.” His trust in God’s holding of the world still gives us courage. Together we’ll apply his insights to our own uncertain times. 

Then we shift our focus to our shared history with a three-week deep dive into Trinity Church during the American Revolution. On November 8, Trinity’s archivists will illuminate the connections between our parish and the nation’s founding. Heath W. Carter joins us to discuss religion’s role in revolution on November 15, and Sylvester Johnson explores democracy through the lens of African American religions on November 22.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we’re following the examples of Thurman and Merton and engaging in spiritual practices to sustain our minds, bodies, and souls. Bo Karen Lee explores how we might cultivate lives of contemplation on December 6, Trinity’s Kathy Bozzuti-Jones shows us the power of poetry on December 13, and Theresa Berger illuminates how our liturgical practices help us live out our prayers on December 22.

In pondering our past while looking toward our future, we’re emphasizing that seasons of change require grounded wisdom and muscular faith. At Discovery, we offer a fresh way into thinking about and perhaps reframing the questions that matter; it’s a forum for learning and respite. In other words, we come to Discovery to practice discernment and faith together, not in a vacuum but in our relationships with one another.

I hope you will join us on Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall, where a hot cup of coffee, an intriguing discussion, and a warm welcome await. You’re invited to come for the whole curriculum or pop in throughout the series. We’d love to see you there.

Learn more about Discovery: Fall 2026 and sign up to join.

Summerlee Staten is the executive director for Faith Formation and Education at Trinity Church.