The Diocesan Dialogue
Current Issue
May 2008

The Presiding Bishop's Youth Meeting

By Helena Duncan

Thirteen- year-old Helena Duncan is from Cottonwood Heights in Salt Lake County and dreams of continuing to write. She has been published in the Salt Lake Tribune, the Los Angeles Times, and Cat Fancy. She volunteered to cover the event for the Dialogue, and take the accompanying pictures.

"Youth have the ability to remind the rest of us that God still works and still loves."

Katherine Jefferts Schori, Ph.D., Presiding Bishop and Primate of the Episcopal Church, held a special reception for youth. The event, which focused on the importance of young people to the Episcopal Church, was held on Friday, April 18th, at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Salt Lake City. Her willingness to meet with youth is one of the many great characteristics about Jefferts Schori, who is the first woman Presiding Bishop that the Episcopal Church has ever elected.

Gathered at the Alpine East Conference Room in the hotel were around 50 youth ages 12-18. Most were from the Utah area, but others came from as far as Page, Arizona, to hear the Presiding Bishop speak. Starting off by welcoming the students, Jefferts Schori made many points about the importance of youth in church and community. She stressed that the church would be nothing without young people.

"What we learn as teenagers is important because we can repeat and teach it to adults," said the Presiding Bishop to an audience of captivated and eager teenagers. "[Youth] have plenty of work to do, but they can have fun doing it."

The students were invited to ask questions, make comments, tell stories, and participate in discussions with her during the no-pressure, informal session. She also spoke of her life's experiences.

"My trip to Jerusalem was both painful and hopeful." Jefferts Schori talked about the conflict and crisis in the Middle East and the importance of people of good faith trying to make peace.

She also told of her times as an oceanographer, and the teens were fascinated to hear of her work with marine animals. Jefferts Schori graduated from Stanford University with a degree in marine biology and from Oregon State University with a Ph.D. in oceanography.

The Presiding Bishop also discussed how electronic conversation and new technology are changing the world we live in.

"When you are on the computer talking to another person, you are just talking to a screen. It's not personal, and sometimes you don't put your best face forward. People haven't really been rude to my face [about me being a woman Bishop], but they certainly do express their opinions on the Internet."

After the discussion, which lasted around 45 minutes, Carolyn Tanner Irish, the Episcopal Bishop of Utah, told the teens of special rings that will be given to them.

"People of some religions have certain rings and emblems that they take pride in wearing. Now Episcopal youth can have their own unique rings also." Each youth present will get his or her own ring bearing the Episcopal shield.

Says Anna Ferguson, age 14, of Salt Lake City, "They're really cool...I'm excited to get my own Episcopal ring."

The youth enjoyed a buffet of sodas and juices, pizzas, and delicious desserts. Some went afterwards to the west ballroom for a Gala Dinner. The youth of the reception had specially reserved tables.

"Presiding Bishop Katherine is such a great speaker," said Clare Duncan, 15, of Cottonwood Heights. "It was a really special experience."

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