[Magdalen] DioVA convention

[cady soukup]

Back from the Diocese of Virginia convention (Nov 1-2-3).

Bishop Shannon Johnston resigned (retired). A Bishop Provisional was
not found in time for the convention, so Bishop Susan Goff is the
diocese's ecclesial authority for the interim. There were bishops
interested in the "Bishop Provisional" position (list provided by
Bishop Curry's office) but they were not in a position to up-end their
lives and move to Richmond, VA in time for the convention. If needed,
Bishop Susan was given the authority to appoint an Assistant Bishop
(temporary, requires the approval of the Standing Committee) to handle
visitations and general work. Bishops Bob Ihloff and Ted Gulick
continue (both part-time, both have consistently "failed" at full
retirement).

An interesting convention. The diocese continues, is in the midst of
several ambitious initiatives and missions, and has "business process"
housekeeping to do. It sounds as though the diocesan office has not
updated its business processes for about 3 bishops worth of tenure.

I am always delighted to see the full diversity of those who proudly
self-identify as Episcopalian, from young to old, lay, deacons/clergy
and bishops, outrageous and staid. 7 bishops from USA, England, and
Ghana robed up for Eucharist on Friday.

We have been strongly encouraged to follow Bishop Curry's "Way of Love
Rule of Life" https://www.episcopalchurch.org/explore-way-love

Still working out what just happened - a lot of information in a short
few days!

hugs anyway - Cady