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We are pleased to pass along Bishop Gibbs' announcement regarding a new Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations Taskforce. We are especially honored that Bishop Gibbs named our rector, Bill Danaher, canon and chair of the Taskforce. Additionally, three other members of Christ Church Cranbrook will be serving on the Taskforce: the Rev. Manisha Dostert, Sara Prepolec and Peggy Dahlberg. Please keep them and all of the members of this new ministry in your prayers.
Announcement from Bishop Gibbs Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations Taskforce formed in the Diocese of Michigan The Diocese of Michigan has a tradition of strong relationships with Interfaith and Ecumenical partners. Notably, during my time as bishop, we have enjoyed the service of the Revs. Saundra Richardson, Daniel Appleyard and Robert Hart as diocesan representatives in Interfaith and Ecumenical ministry. Recently, Canon Hart announced that he was departing Michigan to accompany his wife Becky, who had accepted a new position with the Denver Art Museum. We give thanks for Bob's service among us as both parish priest (rector and interim), and as Canon for Interfaith and Ecumenical Ministry.  Each time we have experienced a transition in this important area of ministry, we have taken time to assess our resources and, if necessary, realign our approach to Interfaith and Ecumenical work. This time is no different; and, with the help and insight of those most familiar with this work, I have gathered a new Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations Taskforce and appointed the Rev. William Danaher, Rector of Christ Church Cranbrook, to chair the Taskforce. As chair, Bill will serve as Canon for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations for the diocese. As we seek to respond to matters of concern in the faith community, Canon Danaher will be aided in this ministry by the other members of the Taskforce: the Rev. Deacon Cathy Behnke (Deacon serving St. James, Dexter); the Rev. Ellis Clifton (Rector, St. Clement's, Inkster); Ms. Peggy Dahlberg (Christ Church Cranbrook); the Rev. Manisha Dostert (Associate, Christ Church Cranbrook); the Rev. Deon Johnson (Rector, St. Paul's, Brighton); the Rev. Sarah Midzalkowski (Campus Chaplain, One Community MSU); the Rev. Juan Perez (Hispanic Missioner, Santa Teresa y San Juan, Detroit); Ms. Sarah Prepolec (Christ Church Cranbrook), and the Rev. James Rhodenhiser (Rector, St. Clare of Assisi, Ann Arbor). I am extremely grateful to Bill and the other members of the Taskforce for their commitment to and passion for this work. It is my hope that an additional benefit of this new Taskforce approach will help each of us to learn more about Interfaith and Ecumenical ministry and inspire more people to participate in it. I know that we will be well represented in the community through the presence of this Taskforce and I invite your prayers for their ministry among us. -- The Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs Jr. Tenth Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Michigan
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