From the Board Chair

A message from Charles Berardesco, T ’80, chair of the Chapel's National Advisory Board, for the Spring 2021 issue of Chapel View magazine:

So far this year, we have seen the inauguration of our new U.S. President, following on a year that has seen the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, protests about police actions and racial justice issues, and political protests that led to unprecedented threats to some of our nation’s institutional norms. And, in all of this, we seem to be losing the ability to disagree in ways that do not quickly lead to anger, threatening behaviors and, ultimately, separation from those with whom we disagree. It sometimes seems to be difficult to maintain a hopeful attitude in the midst of so much anger and dispute.

Yet, hope is to me one of the basic tenets of the Christian faith. Hope that flows from the resurrection of Jesus. Hope that flows from the fact that the arc of the history of our faith and world ultimately bend towards justice and freedom. Hope that flows from the fact that, in the words of the affirmation of faith used at Duke Chapel during my undergraduate years—“God is with us and we are not alone.”  

I believe that at times like this, our faith institutions play a critical part in helping to maintain, and enhance, a sense of hope. Some of that is through actions—seeking justice, directly helping those in need, and preaching the Gospel. Our beloved Duke Chapel plays its part in all of that—supporting the work of justice in the Durham community, providing support to those in need, and preaching the Gospel through services and other offerings that are now seen around the globe. 

But I also believe faith institutions play a part in sustaining hope by simply being present. Providing space for prayer, meditation, education, and artistic expression, to name a few ways our faith institutions are present for us. In times of great stress, such as we are experiencing now, I find great comfort—and ultimately a sense of hope—in what may seem to be the mundane aspect of the church, of our progress through the liturgical year. It is why it is so important that our Chapel has continued its “regular” work during a time when coming together in large numbers is not possible. I know we are all so grateful to the Chapel staff for all of the efforts in maintaining, and in some ways enhancing, the regular presence of the Chapel in our lives.

So, as we move forward through 2021, through the regular patterns of Lent, Easter, Pentecost, and onward, I hope each of us will do so with a growing hope, supported by the regular presence of the church and our faith that God is with us—we indeed are not alone. Thanks be to God.

All the best,   
Charlie Berardesco
Chair, Duke Chapel National Advisory Board