Disciple: Go Speak Recap

By Bishop Anne E. Hodges Copple

On May 15, 2014, approximately 1,000 Episcopalians gathered in more than 45 small groups throughout the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina and answered the call sent forth by the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry at the 198th Annual Convention to go deep, go speak and go do. They came together as part of Go Speak! Sharing our Faith, and over the sharing of a meal and under the gentle guidance of a moderator, participants shared stories, witnessed to their faith, and enjoyed the fellowship of others. It proved to be a profound experience for many.

“In preparation to introduce this to others on May 15, I was privileged to participate in seven Go Speak! gatherings,” said the Rt. Rev. Anne E. Hodges-Copple, bishop suffragan of the Diocese. “I was blessed to listen and share faith stories with members of parishes large and small, women’s groups, diocesan staff and council members. At every single gathering I felt the presence of God moving within and among us, and how the depth and diversity of our stories brings us closer both to Christ and to one another.”

North Carolinians were not the only ones sharing faith that evening. Dioceses throughout Texas and others in Canada were also gathered, adding extra meaning and a special connection to the sharing, knowing so many others across great distances were doing the same.

“Go Speak! Sharing our Faith showed that when we gathered locally, in the intimacy of a home, around a dining room table, we were gathering as the larger Body of Christ,” said Hodges-Copple. “It was powerful to think that on that evening in May thousands were participating in similar prayerful fellowship.”

Feedback from the event has been overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic. Several groups have even indicated they do not plan to wait until the next Go Speak! event to continue sharing and building bonds between congregants.

“It is encouraging and inspiring to know that many more churches are planning on conducting Go Speak! as part of their fall programs, many for the first time and some as a second round of such a successful, meaningful exercise,” said Hodges-Copple.

The next diocesan evening of Go Speak! is not yet scheduled; however, if you would like to host a gathering on your own, full program information can be found on the diocesan website.