Episcopal Diocese of New York Launches Campaign for Courage and Care
The campaign was launched at the steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine, aiming to challenge individuals to counter increasingly common cruelty by sharing a single act of care online
NEW YORK CITY – On Tuesday morning, July 1, the Rt. Rev. Matthew F. Heyd, 17th Episcopal Bishop of New York, stood with community leaders on the steps of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine to launch #OneSingleAct – a campaign calling individuals in New York and beyond to respond to today’s cruelty and chaos with simple acts of courage, care, and connection.
In a moment marked by deep division and disconnection, the Diocese’s initiative is a direct invitation to individuals and communities across the country to meet that despair with small gestures of hope. The campaign will be driven by everyday people sharing their own acts of compassion – checking in on a neighbor, volunteering in service of others, writing a thank-you note – and posting them online using the hashtag #OneSingleAct.
The Right Reverend Matthew Heyd, 17th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, said:
“Acts of care, connection and courage are the deepest expressions of our faith. And they join us with people of goodwill and deep faith from all backgrounds. It joins us together with people who recognize that human dignity is who we are and how we’re connected. This day we begin this campaign to form a culture of generosity because our culture is at stake.”
The Very Reverend Winnie Varghese, 12th Dean of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, said:
“Our act of resistance is we refuse to be separated from one another, we refuse to assume about one another, we will believe that God’s love working through us will change the world that we live in. So one act at a time, do your hashtags, do your social media but most importantly do the act and tell the story.”
Judith Douglas, Director of Programs at Episcopal Charities of New York, said:
“Today we lift up our shared belief that even in a world overwhelmed by division, funding cuts and need, it only takes one single act to make a difference. So choose to care, to show up, to give, to love and let your own act be the beginning of someone else’s hope.”
Rabbi Angela Buchdahl, Senior Rabbi of Central Synagogue, said:
“You can never know how one single act, small or big, could impact someone. You cannot imagine how much it might change you. I still believe this world is beautiful. I still believe that people in this world are fundamentally good. We are going to have to fight for that worldview.”
The kick-off event featured faith leaders, nonprofit organizers, and local advocates who each spoke to the urgency of cultivating everyday practices of kindness and connection. Participants were invited to reflect on how they’ve already shown up for others, and how they might continue to do so in their neighborhoods and institutions.
The campaign is co-presented by the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, Episcopal Charities, the Episcopal Divinity School, and the Interfaith Center of New York.
The event also featured a community post-it art installation, chalk art on the sidewalk in front of the Cathedral, and Krispy Kreme donuts for all participants. The Diocese plans to continue amplifying efforts displaying care and connection throughout the summer with storytelling, partnerships with local communities, and in-person activations.
For more information about the campaign or to share your own act, visit One Single Act or follow the Episcopal Diocese of New York on social media.
