A Word from Bishop-Elect: The Very Rev. Richard Lawson

Dear Diocese of Alabama,

I am so happy and humbled to be at work in the diocese. I’ve already had my first parish visitation at St. Francis of Assisi in Indian Springs, a church with inspired music and great people following Christ. I really enjoyed reconnecting with their rector, Jamie McAdams. This Sunday, I will be at St. Paul’s in Carlowville, where Paul Petznick serves so faithfully as their supply priest. I can already tell that these Sunday visitations are one of the best parts of the episcopal ministry.

Bishop Curry and the diocesan staff have done a great job helping me build out my summer calendar. In addition to being in a different parish each Sunday, I will spend time at Sawyerville in the Black Belt, and at Special Session, Summer Camp, and Bethany’s Kids at Camp McDowell. Keep these ministries and their leaders in your prayers, and especially pray that our campers experience the peace that passes all understanding, which is Christ’s peace offered to us and to the world. As our Risen Lord says twice after his resurrection in John’s Gospel, “Peace be with you” (John 20:19-21).

I am thrilled to share that the Reverend Canon Katie Pearson has agreed to become our Canon to the Ordinary. Katie is currently the Vicar of Saint John’s Cathedral in Denver, where she and I worked together for nine years. Katie preaches the Gospel with depth and heartfelt storytelling, plus she has profound gifts for administration and pastoral care.

Katie is a proud Sewanee graduate who currently serves on the Board of Regents. She also co-chaired Sewanee’s most recent Vice-Chancellor — or presidential search. She is married to Don, and they have three adult children. As Canon to the Ordinary, Katie will serve as my chief of staff and oversee clergy search processes.

She begins work on July 6. I am also happy to assure you that she has a sense of humor, which, as most of us know, is essential in ministry and life.

I so look forward to seeing you in church and throughout the diocese.