Author: Nicholas Knisely

Dear Rhode Island Church

Rhode Island / Web/Tech

Today marks the beginning of a new communications initiative for the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island: “Dear Rhode Island Church” Over the next couple of years we’ll be working a team of talented communicators to share stories and images of the common life of our congregations across the state. I’ve seen some of the previews and I’m very excited about what is coming. This first video helps to frame the whole project. I’ll be sharing […]

Why what leaders say about things matters

Current Affairs

Presidential words can turn the unthinkable into the thinkable − for better or for worse From the Conversation: Presidential rhetoric matters for reasons that go beyond persuasion or style. It helps arrange reality. It tells the public what is serious, who is dangerous, whose suffering counts, and what forms of violence can be described as necessary. President Barack Obama did this in 2012, when he was speaking at a vigil to honor the shooting victims […]

Prayers desperately needed

Current Affairs

We are in a moment when rhetoric is in danger of spinning out of anyone’s control. Given that there seems to be a lack of will or courage to stop the escalation among those who directly have the ability to do so, this is a moment for deep prayer. “O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away […]

Palm Sunday 2026

Sermons and audio

The Passion describes something commonplace and unique in history. It’s something that has changed the course of history. It’s still changing us. It exposes a truth we would kill rather than recognize. And that truth saved us from ourselves and still does.

Sermon posting forecast: erratic

Sermons and audio

Over the next few weeks, including this weekend, my calendar is such that, between travel and other commitments, I’m not going to be able to keep my weekly sermon posting schedule. I’m sorry about that. And extra sorry that this weekend I don’t have a sermon from three years ago to share instead. But I see that one of my favorite preachers, Andrew Gerns, has already posted his sermon for this weekend. Here’s a taste: […]

Pray for Peace and an end to War today

Current Affairs / Religion

Please join with all of us in prayer today: Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe on Military Strike on Iran – The Episcopal Church Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be […]