Theological statement

Theological statement for the election of a diocesan bishop

The election of a Bishop is, first and foremost, an exercise in collective discernment. Such discernment:

• Takes seriously the fact that there is an existing community (warts and all) doing the discerning; Therefore the questions “Who are we?” and “What is our mission?” are prior to “Who is our bishop going to be?”
• Is a spiritual process grounded in our relationship with Jesus Christ, guided by the Holy Spirit, and accountable to the church in and beyond the electing Diocese.
• Is a deeply human process that requires insight, understanding and judgment, brought about by careful listening, thoughtful speaking and abundant prayer. Humility and mutual respect are essential.  There is no place for manipulation or coercion, no matter how subtle, sincere or well-intended.

Our ultimate goal is to ascertain the will of God.

(This theological statement is adapted from a statement written by the Rt. Rev. Harold A. Hopkins, which was published in the newsletter Leaven.)