Dear beloved in Christ of the Diocese of North Carolina,
On the occasion of Bishop Samuel Rodman’s announcement of his retirement, we lift our hearts in gratitude to God for his faithful and loving service with us and to us for what will be the start of his 11th year by the time the next and 13th bishop is ordained and consecrated in the spring of 2028. We are profoundly grateful for his steady and bold leadership, emboldened as it has been by his constant and prayerful devotion to the Holy Spirit that has informed his personal care of the congregations throughout this diocese; and for the myriad ways he has walked with us in times of joy and times of challenge, always encouraging us to grow more fully into the one body of Christ. In the coming season of transition, as we anticipate all that accompanies the election of the next bishop, we look forward to both celebrating Bishop Rodman’s ministry, while yet, and with his ongoing guidance, continuing to focus actively on the work to which the Holy Spirit still calls us.
Bishop Rodman’s announcement most assuredly begins new and particular work. Your Standing Committee has the canonical responsibility of overseeing the holy and intricate process of discernment and transition that will lead to the election of the next bishop diocesan. As this work has already begun, we, your Standing Committee, consider it a sacred privilege to do so with you and with your support as one body of Christ. We most assuredly do not engage the tasks before us in isolation. With our aim of keeping you as fully informed as possible, your Standing Committee has been gathering with consultants to clarify roles, responsibilities, objectives and timelines. You can expect that we will be in frequent communication with you, especially as we take immediate next steps to introduce the work of the search and transition committees as representative of the rich diversity of people, gifts and talents across our beloved diocese.
For now, we ask your prayers for Bishop Rodman, for our diocese and for discerning the path before us all. Let us gracefully and joyfully walk together in faith, hope and love, trusting the Holy Spirit who will provide all clarity and direction in God; anticipating great things to come, while giving thanks for great gifts that have been given in Christ’s name.
God’s peace be with you,
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of North Carolina
Ms. Joanne Jenkins (Christ Church/Galilee Center, Charlotte)
The Rev. Jan Lamb (St. Joseph’s, Durham)
Ms. Gertrude Murchison (St. Stephen’s, Winston-Salem)
The Rev. Linda Nye (Penick Village, Southern Pines)
The Rev. Cuyler O’Connor (St. Bartholomew’s, Pittsboro)
Mrs. Val Short (All Saints’, Roanoke Rapids)
The Rev. Dr. Brad Smith, President (Holy Comforter, Charlotte)
Mr. David Tamer, Secretary (St. Paul’s, Winston-Salem)
The Rev. Rebecca Yarbrough (Holy Comforter, Charlotte)
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, pouring out your Holy Spirit upon the discernment process in choosing the next bishop, filling all hearts and minds that this Diocese receives a faithful pastor, who will continue the care for your people as well as further the ongoing work of equipping us as witnesses to Christ, wherever we may be, and carrying on Christ’s work of reconciliation in the world to You; Grant that all candidates who are called forth for discernment to this sacred office may be filled with the truth of your doctrine, clothed in holiness of life, and devoted to your glory and the flourishing of your holy Church; through Jesus Christ, who lives in reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer: For the Election of a Bishop)
