In recent days, I have found myself thinking deeply about seemingly disparate topics in our common life and have found that in various ways they connect to the ancient Greek word, μάρτυρ, witness. In our Christian context, the most common use of this word is to bear witness by giving one's life for one's faith. Thus, the Greek word, martyr, almost always has that meaning.

In a way that I hope is helpful to us as a community of prayer and action, I offer four reflections over the next four weeks on: the persecution for faith in Iraq and Syria, Ebola, domestic violence, and marriage in our time. In varied ways, they touch on the martyr's tradition in our Christian life. This week, I begin in lands known to Abram, Paul, and the exiles of Judah.

In the land of Antioch, Babylon, and Ur, news comes across miles, seas and an ocean, shaking us to the core. Our president and other national and world leaders try to make sense of the seemingly sudden emergence of the Islamic State. We have seen journalists beheaded and staggering numbers of Christians brutalized and murdered simply because of their faith. In the last few days, our Anglican vicar in Bagdad, Andrew White, has been forced to flee. While these events are visceral and dramatic, the reality is that Christians today face persecution as close as Columbia as well as across Africa, the Middle East, into India, China and Asia.

From www.worldwatchlist.us

As the map above recently published in Episcopal Journal shows, persecution of Christians for their faith is a global crisis. To be sure, Christians are not alone in being persecuted. Indeed, in our history, we have tragically been perpetrators of violence in the name of faith.

While we should be persistent in naming our own failings and speaking out for all persecuted, we cannot be silent when our own sisters and brothers are sorely oppressed. Today, around the planet, too many are being martyred for their faith. Their witness with life and blood demands our attention and a response.

I encourage you, at the very least, to be sure to hold these martyred ones in your prayers in the days ahead. Let us pray for a restoration of goodwill and sanity. Let us pray for peace. Let us also pray that the leaders of nations, including ours, who have the means to bring justice and peace, may act wisely and in a way that brings life.

Let us simply do what we are always supposed to do, remember Jesus in the breaking of the bread and remember the martyrs of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Let us not forget these who suffer for our Lord and with our Lord.

May the peace of God be upon our wounded world and all who suffer.

Faithfully,

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes

Bishop

Celebrations of New Ministry

Join the people of Christ Church, Coronado as they celebrate with the Rev. Anne Bridgers. Saturday, November 8 at 10 a.m. at Christ Church, 1114 Ninth St., Coronado.

The people of St. Bartholomew's, Poway invite all to attend the Celebration of New Ministry on Saturday, November 15 at 5 p.m. at 16275 Pomerado Rd., Poway as they welcome the Rev. Mark McKone Sweet.

Bishop's Annual Legacy Evensong

The Rt. Rev. James R. Mathes will honor those who have remembered the church in their end-of-life plans in a special Evensong on Sunday, November 2, 5 p.m. at St. Paul's Cathedral, 2728 Sixth Ave., San Diego. Bishop Mathes will officiate and a special story of generosity will be shared. If you have included your congregation, an Episcopal ministry or the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego in your plans, you are welcome. Please RSVP to Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456 by October 30.

Clergy Conference

Many clergy members have said this year's clergy conference was excellent, perhaps the best in recent memory. If you weren't able to attend, you may view photos on Facebook. Mark your calendar for the next conference and plan to attend: October 5-7, 2015. Thank you to the Rev. Joseph Dirbas and the many volunteers who made this conference one of our finest!

Clergy Advent Quiet Day

As the Advent season gears up, take a day to be quiet with your bishop and fellow clergy members on Tuesday, December 9. More information to come.

Leadership & Anxiety in the Church

A Family Systems Theory Approach

A group from our diocese will attend this one-day workshop about the family systems perspective on leadership and anxiety in the church. Saturday, November 6, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Hope United Methodist Church, 16550 Bernardo Heights Parkway, San Diego. To take advantage of the group discount with the diocese, please indicate your willingness to attend by contacting Diana Rubi, 619-481-5458. Online Brochure.

On Wednesday, October 15, at 7 p.m., David Moseley (PhD) from The Bishop's School and Mary Doak (PhD) from the University of San Diego, will discuss how faith and reason might work together in our twenty-first century context. To join the conversation, simply register online. More details about all of the midweek offerings at the School for Ministry can be found online. Light refreshments will follow each session. We do hope that you can join us!

Godly Play Teacher Training

San Diego 2014 Commuter Core Training hosted by St. Paul's Cathedral, San Diego. October 18: Parables. November 15: Liturgical Action. Registration Information.

2015 Diocesan Convention

Our theme for the 41st Annual Diocesan Convention is "All Things New," as we explore what it means to be the future church. The convention will be held at St. John's, 760 First Ave., Chula Vista on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14. All are welcome to attend the workshops, festive Eucharist and gala dinner. Check www.edsd.org/diocon2015 for the latest information.

Important Convention Dates

Wednesday, October 15: Certification of all delegates due

Friday, October 31: Servant Ministry Award nominations due

Saturday, November 1: Proposed constitution and canonical

changes due

Saturday, November 15: Mission Share Pledges due

Monday, December 1: Nominations for open positions and

Resolutions due

Friday, January 9: Convention booklet materials due

Friday, January 23: Convention registration deadline

February 13 - February 14: 41st Annual Diocesan Convention

Servant Ministry Awards

Every year, Diocesan Convention honors people in your congregation who have made a difference. Every person nominated receives an award at the convention gala dinner. Please nominate only one per congregation. Deadline: Friday, October 31. Nominate someone today. Questions? Contact Hannah Wilder, 619-481-5456.

Retired Clergy Gatherings

Tuesday, November 4 at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs, San Diego, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Enjoy the Eucharist with Bishop Mathes, a tour, luncheon and announcements. Come early to locate parking. A similar desert gathering will occur on Thursday, December 11 at St. Margaret's (a change from the previously announced date of December 9). Please RSVP to the Rev. Al Smith for the San Diego event and to the Rev. Dan Rondeau for the desert event.

Save the Date: Church Pension Group Gathering

Tuesday, January 13, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego. A special meeting with the Rev. Laura Queen to discuss clergy pensions. She will provide important updates and answer questions about many changes. She will present the same information and format at St. Margaret's, Palm Desert on Wednesday, January 14, 10 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Hispanic Evangelism Workshop

Latinos make up a large and growing segment of our population, but Latino ministries often struggle within the Episcopal Church. Why? What cultural assumptions and differences stand in the way of our efforts to proclaim the good news to this vibrant demographic? Join us to learn more about evangelism among Latinos at a workshop led by Juan Martinez, professor of Hispanic studies and pastoral leadership at Fuller Theological Seminary. Reading his book, Walk with the People, is a pre-requisite for attendance. Saturday, November 15 at the Episcopal Church Center, 2083 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., San Diego, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Rev. George Calvert.

Thank you for reading. If you have feedback, please contact Hannah Wilder.