Update from the Standing Committee on the Bishop Provisional Process

Dear Diocesan Family:

The Standing Committee has worked diligently with the Presiding Bishop's Office since August 3, 2018 to identify a candidate to serve as our Bishop Provisional. The requirements for a previously consecrated, experienced bishop who would not reach age 72 before the end of the proposed term, and who would be willing to move to Virginia quickly for a term-limited position, made the pool of potential candidates a small one. Our hope was that we would be able to present a name to the Convention for election. We interviewed some outstanding candidates, but those bishops have concluded, through their own discernment processes, that they could not come to Virginia at this time.

A Bishop’s Response to the Ford-Kavanaugh Testimonies

“You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:23

Last summer I was among a group of Episcopal bishops asked to be pastorally responsive to women and men who had come forward to tell of their experience of sexual harassment and assault in the Church. The stories varied; the pain was universal. Many recounted in vivid detail the sexual trauma they had endured as children and adolescents.

St. Mark's at PRIDE - "A Community of Support"

“The Episcopal Church is a very open and inclusive denomination, and St. Mark’s has always been in the forefront of gay and lesbian issues,” said Bill Martin, a church member who was helping staff the tent. “Every PrideFest is helpful. It gives you an opportunity to see that there are other gay people around, and it shows that there is a community of support for you out there as a gay or lesbian person.”

September - December Lion's Tale

Bishop Johnston Announces his Retirement

Dear Diocesan Family,

After many months of intense prayer and reflection, and in close consultation with the Presiding Bishop and our Standing Committee, I am formally announcing that I have decided to resign my office and ministry as Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia effective November 3, 2018, prior to the adjournment of our annual convention. I will then serve the diocese in a consulting capacity to facilitate the transition to new leadership. I will fully retire effective July 1, 2019, having served over twelve years as a bishop in this diocese.