Question
Volume 28 • Fall 2014
The Episcopal
The Reverend Kevin S. Brown, Trinity Board of Trustees, Rector at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Comforter
I
f you have been around Trinity for very long, you likely have been asked the “Episcopal question.” You probably have asked it yourself.
Our Episcopal Identity (Adopted 2012)
This is it: What does the “Episcopal” in Trinity Episcopal School mean? The word stands at the center of our name and the heart of our identity, yet its impact upon us is not always explicit. In late 2012, the Board of Trustees chartered a task force to articulate just how and why the “Trinity” we know and love is truly “Trinity Episcopal.”
What does the ‘Episcopal’ in Trinity Episcopal School mean? Trinity Episcopal School was founded upon the long and rich educational tradition inspired by the Episcopal Church. Our mission of creating scholars, nurturing spirituality and embracing diversity was shaped from the start by Trinity’s growth from Episcopal roots. In particular, three distinctive features of the Episcopal school tradition have marked and shaped Trinity’s approach to education and our community of students, families, educators and staff.
The task force took a two-pronged approach. First, we looked closely at Trinity itself, combing through our defining statements, most notably our history, mission, vision and core values. Second, we studied resources and examples from across a broad range of Episcopal schools. We naively hoped to uncover Christ as the foundation. some kind of template in use by schools we admired but found none. What we Our common life -- in the classroom and beyond -- is rooted in the life and teaching did learn, however, reinforced what we long suspected: of Jesus Christ. Jesus proclaimed the inclusive power of Trinity was and is doing many, many things well; we God’s love to transform the world and his way shapes We support children were admired for it in the wider independent school ours. We celebrate human diversity because Christ saw all community and much of that success grew from people as worthy of love and care. We seek to serve each academically as well as remaining close to the founding decision to be an other and our community because Christ taught us that in socially and spiritually, Episcopal school. humble service we will find God.
and as a result, we have a
Trinity affirms the talents of our students and the gifts Our report back included a one page statement school full of students who of our community, and we challenge ourselves to offer called, “Our Episcopal Identity,” which the Board are kind, gracious and have our best efforts. The love of God is not incidental to the heartily adopted. Here is my ultra-condensed version Trinity experience; it is central to how we understand who of it: Because of Trinity’s roots in the Episcopal the capabilities to go out we are and what we are called to be. school tradition, at Trinity (1) Christ is foundational and conquer the world. and central; (2) we educate, we don’t indoctrinate; Education as expansive. - Trinity Faculty Member and (3) our spiritual life shapes who we are and what Education is exploration, not indoctrination. While our values are rooted in Christ, our mission is not one of we do. I hope you will read “Our Episcopal Identity” conversion but rather one of expanding students’ horizons. The Episcopal for richer detail (shown on right); my summary here is much too brief. tradition has long held that one of the most powerful means for understanding meaning, purpose and fullness of life is through the use of human reason and Why is this important? Most immediately, we can answer the “Episcopal creativity. Minds expand as they are challenged, and with greater learning comes question” with pride in distinctive traits that make Trinity special. Trinity is not the capacity for greater understanding, compassion and achievement. only another independent school; we are one with a Christ-based moral center. This Christ-centeredness shapes us and our decisions, but (unlike some schools) Spirituality is essential. we don’t require or coerce anyone to this faith. And An intentional, school-wide spiritual life is an essential means for shaping there is a genuine spirit in this place, a real community norms, inspiring compassionate hearts and developing caring citizens. In worship we understand ourselves in relation to God, to our neighbors and to animating difference, that arises out of ourselves, and we celebrate our achievements and mark our successes illuminated praying, worshipping and serving by the light of a higher moral life. together in community. Our Episcopal Identity is much like the foundation of a house: it provides essential structure, stability and strength, day in and day out, even when we forget it is there. It is central to our name and to our common life. It informs who and whose we are, how we live and where we go next.
Creating Scholars, Nurturing Spirituality and Embracing Diversity in Charlotte’s Center City
Spirituality expands well beyond Chapel; indeed, it is woven into the fabric of our school and community life. Its persistent call toward a responsible life beyond ourselves shapes decisions across the school, from the classroom to the playing field, from admissions to administration. Trinity is an independent school within the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, not linked to a specific Episcopal church but supported by many. Our Episcopal roots are deep, and like the roots of many trees that often go unnoticed on the surface, they are strong and essential components of our community and mission.
In this issue...
• Our Episcopal Roots • The Trinity Fund: Supporting the Trinity Experience • The Three C’s of Faith Studies and more...