News, information, messages from Bishop Rob, and more about the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire.

Micah 6 Commission: A Year of Building Relationships for Local Justice

When the Most Reverend Michael Curry, 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, travelled to Portsmouth, New Hampshire last February to speak along with Bishop Rob at the Black Heritage Trail of NH’s celebrated “Tea Talk,” it was a perfect example of the power of the Micah 6 initiative and how it brings people and organizations together in the name of social justice. The event was held in a synagogue, was open to all, and drew a large audience who were thirsty for wisdom and encouragement. The Bishops didn’t disappoint. Their vastly different experiences growing up, their bond of friendship, and their shared faith made for interesting conversation, storytelling and ways to further racial justice. The crowd was mesmerized. This is one example of how the Micah 6 Commission – just one year into its existence – is shaping how the Episcopal Church of NH is taking action with partner organizations.

Now just one year since its formation in April 2025, the Micah 6 Commission is making strides. The Commission was formed as a way to streamline and empower parishes to take action against racism, economic inequity, and environmental degradation. The work is guided by the principles of Micah 6:8, which emphasizes the importance of doing justice, being kind, and walking humbly with God.

“Micah 6 is a guiding call for how we live our faith and baptismal covenant,” says Commission Chair Derek Scalia. “Our world is hurting, and people are yearning for points of light and relief. Through this work, we seek to embody the call to do justice.”

Created to combine our local efforts around reconciliation, earth care, educational equity, and reparations, Micah 6 has found a sibling in the Global Missions Committee, which focuses on international social justice work, while Micah 6 focuses on New Hampshire organizations already doing critical justice work.Rather than creating new programs, Micah 6 focuses on building relationships with these current initiatives. These partnerships reflect shared learning, mutual respect, and a commitment to long-term impact. Among its early collaborations:

Supporting Black Heritage Trail of NH “Tea Talks,” fostering dialogue on race and history
Partnering with the NH Fair Funding Project to advocate for equitable education
Advancing environmental stewardship through the New England Episcopal Path to Creation Justice initiative

John Rowntree, parish treasurer at Good Shepherd Church in Nashua, urges Episcopalians to consider joining churches in Claremont, Keene and Londonderry that are currently participating in the New England Episcopal Path to Creation Justice , a program which provides support and tools to parishes committed to addressing the climate crisis. Rowntree says the Micah 6 Commission contributed a three-year grant to support them. Says Rowntree, “We have done multiple projects to reduce our 148-year-old church’s carbon footprint, including insulation, improving our historic church windows, changing lightbulbs and implementing 35 solar panels. It feels really good to make a difference and helps us be strong financial stewards because we have reduced our energy costs.”

The Commission is made up of 12 members in addition to Bishop Rob. The Commission meets monthly and has held two major planning sessions over the last year.

It has also helped distribute $85,000 in Coit House funds, administered through the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, to support a wide range of community organizations – from childcare centers and summer camps to youth programs and family services.

At its core, the Micah 6 Commission is grounded in the belief that justice work begins in relationships.

“We are not here to solve every problem,” Commission leaders note. “We are here to listen, to accompany, and to support the work already unfolding in our communities.”

This relational approach is already strengthening parish life across the Diocese. By sharing stories, connecting congregations to opportunities, and deepening engagement, the Commission is helping Episcopalians live out their call to justice in tangible ways.

As the Commission enters its second year, it is building a more intentional structure to sustain and grow this work: strengthening communication, aligning resources, and supporting parishioners in integrating justice, mercy, and humility into every aspect of ministry.

Ultimately, the Micah 6 Commission is an invitation: to listen more deeply, to partner more intentionally, and to participate more fully in the work of healing and justice across New Hampshire. Commission members believe that justice takes root most fully when nurtured in parish communities that pray, learn, and serve together. They are committed to ensuring that the wisdom gained becomes a resource for congregations seeking to deepen their own ministries of justice. These faithful committee members believe that sharing stories and opportunities strengthens parish life and inspires local action rooted in the Gospel.

To share your stories of social justice work at your church or to find out more about Micah 6 please email Derek Scalia at dnascalia@gmail.com.

Top - Micah 6 Committee members at a planning meeting; bottom left - solar panels on the roof of the Good Shepherd complex in Nashua; bottom right - Tea Talk with Most Rev. Michael Curry, in Portsmouth.

Guest User 5/22/20 Guest User 5/22/20

From Bishop Rob: Seasonal Chapels in NH

While the State of New Hampshire works through its various "re-opening" schedules, an informed decision regarding the operation of our summer chapels must be made. The eight summer chapels, from the Great North Woods and Lakes Region to Monadnock and the Seacoast, are an integral part of the summer traditions and practices of generations of families; treasured rituals that connect local and seasonal residents alike to God and community.

As you can imagine, this has been a very difficult period of discernment, however, I must announce that all seasonal chapels in New Hampshire will be closed to in-person worship this summer, through Labor Day.

Prayer and reflection lead me back to our guiding principles during this coronavirus pandemic, the first and primary principle being to prioritize the well-being of our neighbors, especially those most at risk of contracting this virus, over our desire to gather in our church buildings.

In many ways, our seasonal chapels attract those most vulnerable to the contagion: older worshippers over 65, many with underlying medical conditions. In addition, most of our seasonal residents travel from beyond the immediate area and from out-of-state -- adding the complicating risk factors of geography, travel, and proper quarantine.

While the chapels will be closed to in-person worship, seasonal clergy will continue to serve as they are able -- including the need to self-quarantine for a two week period if they are making use of on-site housing.

The coronavirus has created an extraordinary time for reflection in our lives. Discerning what is essential, how is God calling us along new paths -- toward light and community in Christ? I encourage you to seek opportunities to use your gifts of creativity and innovation. How might online worship and prayer services, virtual coffee hours, phone-tree check-ins, and remote pastoral care enrich and serve your congregations?

Our Presiding Bishop has urged us to ask: "What would love do?" In that spirit, we will continue to respond to the coronavirus challenge and seek pathways to God, love for ourselves and others, and how best to be the church.

Yours in the Risen Christ,

The. Rt. Rev. A. Robert Hirschfeld
Bishop of New Hampshire