George Faison

George Faison with grandson, Duke

I’m George Faison, and along with my wife Stephanie, we have been members of Beacon for over ten years now. I was asked to speak to what makes Beacon special for me. Back then, I was searching for a place to “call home.” I was raised Protestant, but had differing experiences over the years, becoming increasingly disenchanted with what I felt to be a lack of integrity with the spiritual message and the public action. 

I was looking for a place that aligned my spiritual journey with an activist one, to make this planet we live on, a place where all are welcome and valued. A good friend suggested Beacon.

We began attending and were inspired by the openness of the members as well as the passion and depth of the sermons from the pulpit. As we got more involved, we participated in and witnessed an incredible variety and diversity of people, thoughts and missions of service. And today, over ten years on, I find my attraction and affection have grown even deeper.

I appreciate the diversity of our congregation, the different backgrounds, ethnicities, orientations and spiritual traditions.

I am inspired by the depth of our social activism: 

• Feeding and housing refugees and immigrants, and the homeless in our own communities

• Volunteering to assist children with after school mentoring and staff support

• Challenging the local police to improve community relations with our fellow citizens of color

• Neighborhood Beacon

• Green projects

• Hanging the Black Lives Matter banners and creating connections with other like minded congregations in our community

• Adopting the 8th principle with express purpose to truly create the Beloved community where all peoples are valued and have opportunity to grow and prosper

The nurturing of our children from birth to young adulthood is most important. While our own children were grown by the time we found Beacon, I have witnessed a rich supportive program that teaches and models inclusivity and respect from day one. The message that they are surrounded with of love and acceptance hopefully sets them up for a richer, more vibrant human experience. 

So that’s what I love. How about you?