December 21, 2020
Dear friends in Christ,
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.
As we said in our last letter, we will begin to assess the health of our diocese in January. We have contracted with Holy Cow! Consulting to administer a survey and to conduct listening sessions. We aim to understand the strengths and challenges we face so that we can set the timeline and process leading to the discernment and election of our next bishop.
The survey will launch in early January, and we hope it will be completed by clergy, lay leaders, and parishioners throughout the diocese. Stay tuned for details. Listening sessions will take place after the survey is complete and we have reviewed the findings.
We have selected a consultant who will advise our diocese during the search and transition period. Ms. Anne Schmidt is an experienced search consultant and recognized leader in the Episcopal Church based in Dallas, TX. She will work with the Standing Committee and, in due course, the search and transition committees.
We want you to know that Bishop Ken Price, the diocesan staff, and the Standing Committee are ready to support you in your ministry, to answer your questions, and to hear your concerns.
If you have questions or concerns of a pastoral or sacramental nature, please address those directly to Bishop Price.
If you have questions or concerns that need to be addressed by a member of diocesan staff, please address those directly to the appropriate staff person. If you don’t know who the appropriate staff person is, please direct your question or concern to Canon John Johanssen.
If you have questions for the Standing Committee or comments about our work, we encourage you to email us at standingcommittee@diosohio.org. We want to be responsive to you. We hope to clearly, regularly, and transparently communicate with you throughout the transition period and beyond. The diocesan staff has created a helpful transition page on the diocesan website which will be updated regularly.
As you near the conclusion of the Advent season, we wish you well in this time of preparation and hope. May you find Christ Jesus and know his merciful blessings. We are,
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Larry Hayes, president
The Rev. Philip DeVaul, vice-president
Dr. James Allsop
The Rev. Dr. Ellen Cook
Mr. Barry Feist
The Rev. Canon Scott Gunn
