Justin Harkins

Beatitudes Society Summer 2007 Fellow - Episcopal Public Policy Network

The opening of a new term is an exciting -- and, by now, very familiar -- occasion. Those first conversations with friends inevitably turn to recent summer highlights -- work, travel, education, memorable acquaintances. This year, I have been confronted with the enviable problem of trying to separate these classifications where, thanks to my Beatitudes Society Fellowship, no separation exists.

I spent the summer months exploring Washington, DC and Capitol Hill on the way to work every day at the Episcopal Public Policy Network; learning about government procedure, coalition building, and grass roots organizing; attending Senate and House meetings; and, all the while, enjoying new relationships with the intelligent and driven divinity and seminary students with whom I shared the experience of a
Beatitudes fellow.

Much of my work at the EPPN focussed on the theology behind the intersection of faith and politics. All too often, the popular perception is that these two facets of society should be mutually exclusive. Since my fellowship, I believe even more firmly that it is in this very intersection that the most good can be done for those in society that are personified in Matthew's Beatitudes. It is, after all, no coincidence that these verses are celebrated as the Society's namesake, and it is also no coincidence that my summer's most memorable moments of theological growth and examination happened
in the weekly fellowship meetings. This was a complete and
transformative summer, and I have Rev. Howard and The Beatitudes Society to thank.

Strengthening the progressive Christian network for justice, compassion, & peace