News articles by Craig Wirth
the Rev. Gordon McBride dies at age 69
Long time diocesan friend, the Rev. Gordon McBride died July 10, 2010 in Wyoming from a lung disorder. Father McBride was ordained by the Rt. Rev. Otis Charles in 1984 following a long career as a professor at Salt Lake's Westminster College. Upon an invitation from a student, the Rev. Elaine Howlett, he attended St. Mark's Cathedral and would later attend Seabury-Western. He followed the Very Rev. Jack Potter as rector of Grace/St. Paul's in Tucson. He was also a noted author of novels and historical works. His funeral will be July 16th at Grace/St. Paul's at 7:00 pm.
Picture: The Rev. Gordon McBride entertained a gathering in 2009 at The Open Book Store, at the Episcopal Church Center of Utah. The novelist and priest was famous as a storyteller.
SAVE THE DATE!!!! November 6, 2010
Consent process starts for Bishop Elect Hayashi
Another step in the long process to select a bishop is just getting underway for our Diocese of Utah. Episcopal Church canons require a majority of diocesan bishops and diocesan standing committees consent to Utah's election of the Rev. Canon Scott Hayashi as bishop. The canons allow 120 days for the process. The 120-day clock started ticking July 5, 2010 after medical exams and forms were completed and accepted by The Episcopal Church (TEC) in New York. We will keep all informed as to the progress of the responses from standing committees and bishops.
St. David's Keplinger accepts Tucson post
After a decade at St. David's, the Rev. Steve Keplinger is moving to Grace St. Paul's in Tucson. His wife, Jean Keplinger shares much of his ministry and together they announced "This has been one of the most difficult decisions of our life." St. David's has been synomomous with the Keplingers as it has grown in size and into a new facility. The Keplingers feel now is a good time for St. David's to move on with out them. Keplinger's ministry has also extended to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab and to various "green" ministries.
photo: The Rev. Steve Keplinger joins Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish at the dedication of St. David's, Page, AZ.
attached photos:
St. David's, Page, AZ
The Rev. Steve Keplinger, animal advocate and Best Friends priest
It is official! Bailey receives bishop and standing committee consents
The canonical consent process for Bishop-elect Dave Bailey is finished. The former Canon to the Ordinary of Utah has received consent from a majority of bishops and diocesan standing committees as the final step before consecration as Bishop of Navajoland. Church canons require at least one over half of all diocesan bishops and standing committees to give consent within 120 days of a diocesan election.
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, will preside at his consecration on August 7th in Navajoland. We will supply details of that consecration in the next Dialogue Quarterly.
An informal interview with retiring Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish
The Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish is retiring in November of 2010. Diocesan Communications Director Craig Wirth sat down with the Bishop for an informal interview where she reflects on the past 14 years. To read the interview, click here.
New Postulants
The Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish granted postulancy to five nominees. They are Aimee Altizer; St. Luke's, Brin Bon; St. Mark's, Julia Cole; St. Paul's SLC, Bert Hall; St. Michael's, Sandra Jones; St. Luke's. With these new postulants, the DIocese of Utah has nine postulants. Two are studying for the vocational diaconate currently and seven are studying for the priesthood.
Bailey elected as Navajoland Bishop
The House of Bishops voted 104 in favor with one abstention to elect the Rev. Canon David Bailey to be the Bishop of Navajoland. Since Navajoland is an area mission, the HOB picked the bishop, rather than having a vote in Navajoland. However, the Presiding Bishop had asked that Bailey not only be the HOB choice, but that his service would also be the will of the people. Members of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland held a special convocation and gave their support to Bailey, which paved the way for the overwhelming HOB vote. Bailey leaves the Diocese of Utah after 12 years of service. His new post will be headquartered in Farmington, New Mexico. Navajoland serves the reservation which covers a land area about the size of Virginia, with churches scattered over Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.
Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish announces her retirement
January 19, 2009, Salt Lake City UT —
The Rt. Rev. Carolyn Tanner Irish has announced her retirement for next year, in what will be her 14th year as Bishop of Utah. Bishop Irish notes she will be 70 years old, her major goals have been accomplished, and she smiles at the prospect of spending more time with her grandchildren.
Her announcement starts the long procedure for selecting a new bishop, which is a detailed process governed by the canons of the church and by the approval of the House of Bishops. It is a very rare process as Utah Episcopalians have only had 10 bishops since 1867. The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori has announced she will consecrate a new Bishop of Utah on September 11, 2010. However, a new bishop will likely be elected months before that date.
