Friends and Colleagues,
Today, the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan's 25th Diocesan Convention voted to elect me Bishop Provisional, entering our two communities into the 3-5 year period of conversation around relationship and sharing of resources.
This next phase for our two dioceses is the result of nearly two and a half years of conversation. First, following the resignation of their former bishop to join the Presiding Bishop's, staff,
Eastern Michigan
held a series of regional and diocesan-wide meetings, and voted last Fall to invite Western Michigan to consent to my nomination to serve as their bishop provisional. In the Spring, after a series of meetings on the western side of the state, your Diocesan Council and Standing Committee voted unanimously to
accept the invitation
.
I am excited to be building on our work of being proactive, innovative, and relational by entering into this next phase of life for our two dioceses. We don't know what's at the other end of this thing, but by placing our trust in the Spirit, we will be at the forefront of dioceses considering this exploration in the Episcopal Church. And that's exciting stuff.
Please join in celebration and in prayer for our diocese, the Diocese of Eastern Michigan, and for me, your grateful bishop.
O God, by your grace you have called us in this diocese to a goodly fellowship of faith. Bless our Bishop, Whayne, and other clergy, and all our people. Grant that your Word may be truly preached and truly heard, your Sacraments faithfully administered and faithfully received. By your Spirit, fashion our lives according to the example of your Son, and grant that we may show the power of your love to all among whom we live; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Let's dance!
