New Bishop

Dear St. Anna’s family,

A new bishop is a time of change and transition in any diocese, including ours. The people of the Diocese of California having elected Austin Rios to the position of Bishop, he has sent out a pastoral letter about a visioning process he has begun. Here is a portion of the letter:

“Amidst these gifts and challenges, the best way I know to be a faithful leader with you is to listen to you wholeheartedly. I want to hear how God has already been at work among you. I want to hear about the many successes in ministry you have built over generations in this place. I also want to hear about your pain and frustration, your fear and uncertainty. I want to be with you in the ways we’ve fallen short of the glory of God in our dealings with one another.

During the bishop search process, I heard your call—a call to discern a shared strategic vision for the Diocese of California. And I am convinced that doing this visioning work together is an essential first step in building trust with one another and ensuring the many diverse and wonderful members of our diocese are common stakeholders in our shared future.”

Specifically, he is asking the input of lay people and has scheduled five listening sessions for the diocese. The closest one to us is on September 5th at 6:30pm at St. Stephen’s in Orinda; there will also be a Zoom meeting on the 10th at 6:30pm for those unable to attend in person. You may also email your thoughts to vision@diocal.org.

As a clergyperson I cannot stress enough how important it is that lay people speak up. This is your church and your diocese; it is the future of your church that is being shaped here. Please read the letter or listen to the recording, and in a spirit of prayer and hope, help discern a faithful future for the Diocese of California.

With love,

Mees+