Here we are, at the jumping off point of our shared journey in faith as bishop and people in the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina. I’ve spent much time in prayer and reflection on what God is calling us to do and who we are called to be in the years ahead. Though, as Paul puts it, we see things dimly, Christ Jesus has long since given us our “rules for the road.” Jesus has pointed us toward and graced us with the strength and skill to undertake those things that bear witness to the Kingdom of God and build up the community of those who believe in him. Which things we do and who God is calling us to be in this time and this place will emerge as the journey unfolds. Things take time. That things will be different is true only because I am who I am and our way of being together will be different, just as it has been different every time you’ve called a new bishop. Russell Crabtree, writing in A Fly in the Ointment, has said, "The capacity to see one season of your life as precursor to another is the critical factor for healthy change. It does not deny the preciousness of the previous season. But neither does it claim it as its destiny." I’ve always believed that those who’ve gone before me in life have prepared and planted a garden whose fruits I get to enjoy, and for me, this has been especially true as I come into this diocese and give thanks to God for Bishop Henderson’s episcopate. My task is to work beside you to continue, expand and nourish the garden into which you’ve all put so much love and effort over the years. Our task is to see that our garden bears fruit worthy of repentance, reconciliation, renewal.
Finally, I remain deeply honored and humbled by the call you have given me in Christ Jesus to be your bishop. I am in awe of the task our Lord has set before us. And yet, I have confidence in God’s call to each and every one of us as brothers and sisters that we will truly “walk in love as Christ loved us and gave himself for us, an offering and sacrifice to God.” Together we will build Christ’s church.
Ecce quam bonum, Deedie+