Called to Act

“A text to be read and reflected upon by adult converts preparing for baptism, parents bringing their young children to the baptismal font, and anyone seeking to better understand how they fit within this larger story of Christian belonging and living.… With the seemingly intractable challenges the world is facing, we need the transformational power of Christians acting out of care for the other, the stranger, and the common good. As it has been for me, I hope that you will find in these pages inspiration, encouragement, and strength for the journey.” —From the Foreword by the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis “Twentieth century prophet Verna Dozier gave us The Dream of God–a book that inspired a generation of the faithful to dare to imagine the world as the dream God intended it to be. In Called to Act, Michael Hopkins gives us a beautifully written twenty-first century guidebook, calling us to risk making that dream a reality by putting our faith into action. Grounded in solid theology and biblical study, Called to Act artfully weaves a narrative thread that draws readers in, challenging them to find in the rhythms of the life of Jesus the rhythms of their own lives. It is a master class on the “how to” of living out our baptismal promise to respect the dignity of every human being and an inspiration to anyone aspiring to make the kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven—not just a prayer we pray but a reality we live.” —The Rev. Canon Susan Russell, Canon for Engagement Across Difference in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles “In his book, Rev. Michael Hopkins explores the meaning of baptism for daily living and, particularly, how baptism draws us into the corporate life of the community…Baptism, he declares, initiates us into a life that draws us out of ourselves and compels us to love the unlovable and to work with God in making the world new.” —The Rt. Rev. Stephen T. Lane, retired Bishop of Maine and Bishop Provisional of Rochester, NY