I am delighted to report that today the College of Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America, meeting this week in Melbourne, Florida, voted to consent to the election of the Rev. Chris Warner to be the second Bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic.

Our recent annual Diocesan Synod was such an encouraging experience.

How easy it is to look at our circumstances and think we’re not on mission. Perhaps we think that because of our situation we can’t go, so we’re off the hook! Or maybe we think wistfully that as much as we might wish we could engage in mission, we’re just not able to in the way those who are younger or fitter are called to go to certain places or in particular ways.

What a joy to experience our Electing Synod on Saturday, as we voted, under the leading of the Holy Spirit, to elect the Rev. Chris Warner to be our next bishop.

As I’ve shared with our clergy, I urge each of our churches to establish an intentional partnership with a church or diocese overseas. This could involve support of a long-term missionary, but it should also include developing a meaningful connection with indigenous church leadership.

As we draw near to the election of our next bishop, there is quite naturally both excitement and uncertainty in our life together as a diocese. We know that Jesus is on the throne, he is the head of the Church, and he has promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against his Church (Matthew 16:18).

Let’s pray that God will give each of us the grace to take hold of Jesus afresh and the power to follow him in costly obedience.

May God give us the grace to offer ourselves to him as living sacrifices, serving always for his glory and for the spread of his Kingdom.

The world doesn’t yet look like it’s under the rule and authority of Jesus. But as Hebrews 2:8-9 says, though we do not yet see everything in subjection to him, we do see Jesus.

His story calls us to love our enemies, too. To forgive those who hurt us, even those who hurt us deeply, just as God in Christ forgives us. To release our bitterness and anger, so that the love of Jesus might flow through us to others, and so that in forgiving, you and I might truly know the peace of God that passes all understanding.

In Holy Week, we encounter Jesus’ suffering and death, and we experience anew his great love. We do not go through Holy Week because we are unsure of Jesus’ forgiveness, but because we must never take it for granted. We must never skip glibly from the “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday to Easter’s “Christ is risen.” We must walk the Way of the Cross.

In Holy Week, we encounter Jesus’ suffering and death, and we experience anew his great love. We do not go through Holy Week because we are unsure of Jesus’ forgiveness, but because we must never take it for granted. We must never skip glibly from the “Hosannas” of Palm Sunday to Easter’s “Christ is risen.” We must walk the Way of the Cross.

"As followers of Jesus, we are ministers of love and compassion and healing for those who are in great pain, physically, emotionally, spiritually. But suicide is not the answer.

"I say to all of us, young people, seniors, those facing great hardship or great pain: Do not succumb to the hopelessness of the culture of death. You are precious to the Lord and to the Body of Christ."

"As followers of Jesus, we are ministers of love and compassion and healing for those who are in great pain, physically, emotionally, spiritually. But suicide is not the answer.

"I say to all of us, young people, seniors, those facing great hardship or great pain: Do not succumb to the hopelessness of the culture of death. You are precious to the Lord and to the Body of Christ."

Let’s join in honoring life as we learn and grow and pray together. Pray for those facing crisis pregnancies and end of life decisions. Pray for the unborn, the weak, the aged. Pray for our witness and for our ministries in support of those who are most vulnerable.

We have so much to be thankful for as a Diocese. I hope you’ll join in praising God for his provision, and for his goodness and grace in blessing us to be part of such a Church. To God be the glory!

Hezekiah and Josiah show us that when hearts are turned back to the Lord and to his Word, transformation—even of an entire nation—can follow. Let’s resist the lure of hopelessness and complacency and rise up in prayer for God to move in power to renew both the Church and our society.

Have you noticed that some days you might be surrounded by chaos and face crisis upon crisis, yet you experience the supernatural joy of the Lord in the midst of it all? And then there are other days, when outwardly things are smooth sailing, but inside you’re a wreck?

The Bible has tremendously good news for us about our money and how we use it.

On Sept. 14, 2021, Bishop John Guernsey called for the Diocese to begin the process leading to the election and consecration of his successor and to his retirement. Watch the announcement below or download the letter here.