The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue May 2007

Bishop Wester Familiar with Working Ecumenically

The new Roman Catholic Bishop of Salt Lake City is looking forward to developing new friendships, explaining that through friendships "we can overcome obstacles to unity."

The Most Rev. John C. Wester, who had served as auxiliary bishop in San Francisco, noted that Episcopal Bishop William Swing of California "is a good friend of mine."

Wester is a fourth generation San Franciscan. His new diocese encompasses the entire state.

He added that he is looking forward to meeting the Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish, Episcopal Bishop of Utah.

He anticipates working ecumenically on several social justice issues that are important to him, including abolishment of the death penalty, establishing a just wage for workers and immigration issues.

His experience in working ecumenically in San Francisco led to "some very rich associations. We find common ground. There is much more that unites us than separates us."

It is also important to "celebrate unity, and to hope and work for the unity that we are called to," he said.

Another interest is working with Native Americans in Utah. He said that during his training in multi-cultural counseling, he was impressed by the "awe of creation" held by Native Americans and the sense that are "one with creation."

His spiritual director in San Francisco advised him before leaving there to "not overlook the Native population," he said.

He said he has been impressed "by a very warm welcome to Utah. I have a deep sense of gratitude for the welcome that I have received from everyone."

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