After a career in veterinary medicine, Deacon Susan McMillan is finding herself working toward the healing of other ills.
Since her ordination in December, McMillan has been serving as the diocese’s liaison to Vermont Interfaith Action, a statewide network of faith communities working for policy changes on issues including housing, immigration, economic dignity, climate issues and racial justice. The assignment fit well with McMillan’s call to social justice work.
“A deacon’s role is to interpret to the church the needs of the world — to bring church into the world,” she says. “VIA works to find systemic changes to societal problems in communities and across the state. It’s a good match. As we get involved with Vermont Interfaith Action, we can study problems in a community, break the problem down into smaller pieces we can address and work with those involved in that issue to find a fix. It’s a great way to see a need in the world, bring it back to the congregation, and work to make change.”
The recently passed legislation on overdose prevention is an example of how effective the VIA can be, McMillan says. The law allows for a safe injection site in Burlington where people can use narcotics under the supervision of trained staff and be revived if they take too much. The center will provide referrals to addiction treatment as well as medical and social services. It also will offer education about overdose prevention and distribute overdose reversal medications.
“Correctional reform is a big issue that seems insurmountable,” McMillan says. “By narrowing down, doing the research, meeting with stakeholders, and continuing to learn, VIA took a small step toward the de-criminalization of substance abuse and addiction.”
VIA’s advocacy efforts are not focused exclusively on the legislature. The organization is currently urging all 247 of the state’s cities and towns to adopt and implement a Declaration of Inclusion which, among other things, “condemns racism and welcomes all persons, regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, disability, or socioeconomic status.” So far 152 cities and towns, home to 77 percent of the state’s population, have done so.
“Racism is a problem in Vermont, McMillan said. “This declaration is not simply a statement of intention, but a set of actions to take.”
Faith organizations are sometimes criticized for participating in politics, but McMillan says the connection between the diocese’s mission and VIA’s are clear. “Bishop Shannon is really focused and calling us to focus on looking past our church doors. It can be painful and scary, but I think our survival is tied to us [members of the diocese] getting outside our buildings and working with other faith communities toward Beloved Community.
“We all know Vermont is one of the least churched states, but that doesn’t mean Vermonters aren’t spiritual or people of faith; perhaps they are simply not finding connection to that big building in town. Our call is to be living out our faith in way that’s contagious.”
When Bishop Shannon named McMillan the diocese’s liaison to VIA, she charged her to start by visiting parishes — especially those without dedicated clergy — as they discern what God is already doing in their congregations and what they might be called to do in their community. “We do charity really well but we are also called to do justice,” McMillan says. “I’m just getting my feet under me with VIA. I don’t have the answers, but we’ve all heard Bishop Shannon remind us that we’re called to step out of the boat, to have courage and faith to take risks in community, even when we’re afraid and stretched and stressed. We don’t have to do it on our own, however. VIA helps us to collaborate with others and work together.”
VIA’s committee and subcommittee meetings are held on zoom, allowing individuals from across the state to attend. Anyone interested in learning more about VIA’s work, or in working with VIA on an issue not currently being addressed, should email McMillan. “We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” she says. “VIA is available to assist in addressing an issue.”
Vermont Interfaith Action will be offering a three-day workshop in September on ‘Building Beloved Community in Vermont.’ Watch the Mountain for more details.
photo: Deacon Susan McMillan with Bishop Shannon at her ordination in 2023.
