Friends and Colleagues,
It is with great joy and excitement that we announce the election of the Rt. Rev. Whayne M. Hougland, Jr., as Bishop Provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan by the 25th Diocesan Convention.
Bishop Whayne will serve the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan as we enter into a 3-5 year period of conversation around relationship and sharing of resources. This next step for the two dioceses is the result of nearly two and a half years of conversation, kicked off by the resignation of our former bishop, the Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, to become Bishop for Pastoral Development of the Episcopal Church, a position on the Presiding Bishop’s staff.
Following a series of regional and diocesan-wide meetings, we voted last Fall to invite
the Diocese of Western Michigan
to consent to the nomination of Bishop Whayne, to serve as our bishop provisional. In the Spring, after a series of meetings on the western side of the state, Western Michigan’s Diocesan Council and Standing Committee
voted unanimously to accept the invitation
.
We are excited to be building on our commitment to creative and innovative ministry by entering into this next phase of life for our two dioceses. We don’t know where this relationship will lead, but by placing our trust in the Holy Spirit and committing to the work of discernment and risk-taking, we believe we can build a church responsive to the needs of her people and flexible to the demands of 21st century mission and ministry. Let’s Dance!
Please join us in celebration and in prayer for our diocese, the Diocese of Western Michigan, and our bishop, Whayne:
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.
Thanks be to God!
