The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
December 2006

Richard's Poor Almanac

I am writing this after just returning from Washington, D.C., and witnessing the investiture and the seating at the National Cathedral of our new Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori.

It occurred to me that while she has served as bishop of a neighboring diocese, that not many Utah Episcopalians may have had an opportunity to know her or her beliefs.

Since I was in Nevada at the diocesan convention that elected her bishop, and since I entered the ordination process while she served as bishop and was ordained deacon by her, I thought I might try to share some observations about her.

I think you will find her accessible.

During her time in Nevada, and indeed even during the many events connected with the investiture, she met and listened to many people.

Following the investiture, she remained at the baptismal font to visit with anyone who wanted to talk with her. She has a real sense of presence, of being really present, with the people she is talking with.

I think you will find her inspiring.

Her two sermons in Washington recalled us to a sense of baptismal ministry—and baptismal obligations—and living out that ministry in the world in very specific ways.

Mission and ministry, as they are defined in our Book of Common Prayer, will be very much in our thoughts during her tenure as Presiding Bishop.

Her theology is deeply rooted in these concepts. Her desire to see them lived out in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals is also very deep.

I think you will find her a collaborative leader.

She faces substantial challenges in dealing with other primates in the Anglican Communion. Her style in Nevada has been to involve people with widely divergent positions in sitting down and talking out a way to proceed.

But she is also a decisive leader. After she has listened, she will proceed in a manner consistent with the results of the collaboration and with her own principles and beliefs.

Her experience in Nevada shows a person devoted to reconciliation, to diversity, to social justice and to living out baptismal ministry not just within parish and diocesan boundaries, but in other countries as well.

I felt a palpable sense of energy and excitement in the National Cathedral during the two services. It was obvious to those in attendance, even commented upon by many of them.

For those who may have grown weary during the past several years with the many manifestations of dissension within the Church, it was time—and it is time—to remember that God's Church is alive, and well, and healthy.

There is Good News to share. May we all be able to join with our new presiding bishop in doing the work that we have been given to do.

Shalom!

— Dick Snyder

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