We have some important news to share from the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Lexington.

     On Thursday, July 7, the Standing Committee met with the Rt. Rev. Clay Matthews, Bishop for the Office of Pastoral Development at the Church Center in New York, who guides diocesan transition processes. Since he guided the election of Bishop Sauls, Bishop Matthews has guided 110 Episcopal elections!

     On Saturday, July 16, the Standing Committee and the Executive Council of the Diocese met together for clarification of the policies and procedures of each group in the absence of a Bishop.

     The Standing Committee met with clergy at Mission House on Tuesday, July 19.  The clergy provided input regarding the transition following Bishop Sauls' departure and the Standing Committee responded to questions.  While decisions regarding the timeline for the transition are pending, a suggested timeline from the Presiding Bishop's office was distributed and clergy encouraged the Standing Committee to try to be ready for an election prior to next July's triennial General Convention.

     Then, at its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, July 21, the Standing Committee took the following actions:

 

·    Passed a motion to hire an Assisting Bishop.  It is our understanding that the Standing Committee intends to have an Assisting Bishop in place to provide Episcopal oversight for the diocese as soon as possible after Bishop Sauls' departure.

 

·    Made a decision regarding a farewell gift for Bishop Sauls. Remember the celebration for Bishop Sauls and Ginger on Saturday, August 27.  The celebration will begin with a special liturgy at Christ Church Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. and will continue following the service with a barbeque at Mission House.  Details will follow soon.

 

·    Passed a motion not to proceed with conversation regarding the potential merger of the Diocese of Lexington and the Diocese of Kentucky.

 

·    Delegated responsibility for developing the "Transition Budget."

 

·    Delegated the response for drafting the forms for use in nominating members of the Bishop Nominating Committee and the Transition Committee.  Please give prayerful consideration to qualified persons who might serve on either of these important committees.  You will be invited to submit nominations very soon.

 

·    Discussed candidates for a Chaplain for this time of transition and search for the next Bishop of Lexington.

 

     Soon after the Bishop Nominating Committee is formed, members of the diocese will be invited to participate in a process of sharing information that will be useful in developing a profile of the diocese and a description of the qualities the diocese will be looking for in the next Bishop of Lexington.  Please watch for announcements about this process as well as for the nomination of members of the two committees that will be appointed soon.  The Church of the Good Shepherd will want to have an active role in the transition and search for a new Bishop.  And remember to pray:

 

Almighty God, giver of every good gift:  Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the  minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

  

Faithfully yours,