Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I'm writing you from the Roslyn Conference Center in Richmond, Virginia. This note will be brief to honor my commitment to participate fully in this installment of the New Bishops' School offered by the College for Bishops.
All bishops elected in 2012 form a class. We will gather for sessions over the next three years dedicated to helping us with the steep learning curve of being a bishop. Just as importantly, the program helps us form a spiritual, mutually supportive community.
It is crucial for the unity and mission of the Church for her Bishops to form and maintain an exemplary Jesus-following community of prayer and reflection. That is just what this program promotes.
In addition to gatherings with my classmates, I will touch base monthly with my peer coach, Bishop Barry Beisner of Northern California. He helps me to stay focused on the goals I have set for us and for myself. He is also a helpful resource and sounding board.
Even though at times we argue with one another about things, the Episcopal Church is a wonderful, remarkable faith community. We face that we will have differences and work very hard at approaching our differences in a constructive, Christ-centered way. I am proud to call myself Episcopalian.
I'm looking forward to being back home with all of you.
In Christ's Love,
The Rt. Rev. Jacob W. Owensby, Ph.D., D.D.
The Diocese of Western Louisiana
P. O. Box 2031, Alexandria, LA 71309
318-442-1304
bishopjake@diocesewla.org
http://pelicananglican.blogspot.com
http://sermon.net/bishopjake
