Bishop Suffragan

---

A monthly Publication of

Bishop Suffragan

The Diocese of Texas will elect a bishop suffragan to assist the diocesan bishop, the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, at its 170th Council, February 21-23, 2019 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The election will take place on Friday, February 22. A suffragan bishop is an assisting bishop who does not automatically succeed a diocesan bishop. A diocese may elect a suffragan bishop, but no diocese may have more than two suffragan bishops except with the special consent of a General Convention. The ministry of a bishop is to represent Christ and his Church, particularly as apostle, chief priest and pastor of a diocese; to guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the whole Church; to proclaim the Word of god; to act in Christ’s name for the reconciliation of the world and the building up of the Church; and to ordain others to continue Christ’s ministry. BCP, page 855

All bishops are called to follow in the footsteps of the apostles, teaching, uniting and reconciling in the name of Christ. Bishops suffragan are elected to support and without automatic succession to the diocesan bishop. They are assigned a particular portfolio. The strategic role a bishop suffragan plays within the life of a diocese is far more than preaching and confirming on Sunday mornings. The job description for the new bishop suffragan in the Diocese of Texas will include serving as board chair of several diocesan institutions, visitations of 67 churches in the western region of the Dio-

cese, a strategic partnership with the executive team of the Diocese and other jobs as befit the unique gifts she will bring as an individual leader. Elected delegates from each of the Diocese’s congregations and diocesan clergy will elect the next bishop suffragan to succeed retiring Bishop Suffragan Dena Harrison. Meet the Candidates Participants will get to meet the candidates at a “walkabout” at Camp Allen on January 5, 2019 in order to get to know those who have put their names forward. Each candidate will give a brief presen-

Nominees for Bishop Suffragan

The Episcopal Diocese of Texas tation, followed by a Q&A session. Walkabout: Camp Allen, May 12, 2012 Participants will Houston, move between Election: Christ Church Cathedral, TX, June 2, 2012 rooms of each candidate, hence the term “walkabout.” Each candidate’s presentation is designed to provide delegates a context within which to consider the selection of a candidate as a spiritual leader in this Diocese. While we are electing a bishop suffragan, the person elected will also be a bishop for the whole Church. Please continue to pray for the candidates, and for those who will elect a new bishop suffragan. The prayer and candidates approved by the Standing Committee are on the back of this sheet.

December, 2018

Slate for Bishop Suffragan Named

The Rev. Hannah E. Atkins Romero

The Rev. Canon Glenice Robinson-Como

The Rev. Hannah E. Atkins Romero, the Rev. Canon Glenice Robinson-Como and the Rev. Canon Kathryn (Kai) Ryan have been approved to stand for election as Bishop Suffragan of the Diocese of Texas, the diocesan Standing Committee announced November 26. Atkins Romero is Rector of Trinity, Houston; Robinson-Como is Missioner for Outreach and Justice Ministries at Christ Church Cathedral, Houston; and Ryan serves at Canon to the Ordinary and Chief Operating Officer on the diocesan staff. Profiles of each candidate in English and Spanish are available on the website at www.epicenter.org. “Each person brings unique gifts and disposition, and each has secular and church experience that makes them qualified to do the work of this particular office,” said the Rev. Chuck Treadwell, chair of the search ommittee. A weeklong petition process following the announcement did not see additional names put forward. A day to meet the candidates prior to the election at Council will take place Saturday, January 5, 2019, at Camp Allen. There is a $20 cost for the day which includes lunch. The election of the new Bishop Suffragan, who will have particular oversight of the west region of the Diocese, will take place at the Diocese’s 170th Council of the Diocese of Texas at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel and Conference Center on February 22, 2019.

The Rev. Canon Kathryn (Kai) Ryan

Q: Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of bishop? A: I am so persuaded.

The new Bishop Suffragan will succeed the Rt. Rev. Dena A. Harrison, who retires at the end of 2018. A celebration of Bishop Harrison's ministry will be held at Council.

Attend the Walkabout, January 5, 2019 at Camp Allen. Register at www.campallen.org

Bishops from around the Episcopal Church lay hands on the bishop-elect during the prayer of consecration. A bishop suffragan will be elected bishop for the whole Church at the Episcopal Diocese of Texas’ Annual Council, February 22, 2019. Q&A from the service of consecration in the Book of Common Prayer, page 517.

Almighty God, giver of every good gift: We thank you for your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the witness of your whole church in his name. We thank you for your Holy Spirit, empowering us for ministry. Guide the hearts and minds of those who shall choose a bishop suffragan for the Diocese of Texas and those who will respond to the call, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people and glorify your name. May our discernment transform our spirits and draw us closer to you, Almighty God; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen