The Diocesan Dialogue
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July 2007

Navajoland Bishop Affirmed at 31st Annual Convocation

The Rt. Rev. Mark MacDonald was affirmed in his role as Bishop of Navajoland during the 31st annual convocation of the Navajoland Area Mission.

It was the first convocation for MacDonald in his role as Bishop of Navajoland. He has served as Bishop of Alaska since 1997, and his duties there will cease at the end of July as he assumes his new role as bishop of all indigenous persons in Canada —while also serving in Navajoland.

Convocation delegates are shown in top photo. In middle photo, from left, are the Rev Canon David Bailey, Gretchen Kimsey, Janine Tinsley-Roe, missioner for Native American Ministry for the Episcopal Church; the Rev. Ian Corbet and Bishop Rustin Kimsey. In lower photo, Kimsey listens to retired lay pastor Alice Mason.
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MacDonald succeeded Bishop Rustin Kimsey, who served as the Assisting Bishop of Navajoland following the death of Bishop Steven Plummer.

Kimsey was also present for the convocation. He is retired bishop of Eastern Oregon.

The affirmation came as delegates stood to show support for MacDonald serving as Bishop of Navajoland while also serving in Canada.

As an area mission, Navajoland is under the oversight of the presiding bishop and House of Bishops.

In his address, MacDonald noted that he has had "some health problems, but I am on the mend." He also told convocation delegates that "God has a plan, a great plan for" the church in Navajoland.

His goals for the next year include increased use of the Hooghan Learning Circle to train indigenous leadership and greater efforts at economic development.

MacDonald read a letter from Utah Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish noting Utah's long association "and prayerful support" for Navajoland. Her letter noted that the diocese was represented at convocation by the Rev. Canon David Bailey, canon to the ordinary.

Delegates approved a budget for next year of $444,904.

Workshops dealt with music in worship, a review of the visioning conference led by Bishop Kimsey, and youth ministry.

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