From the Bishop-Elect: Thank you so much, Bishop G!

These past two months, I have thoroughly enjoyed learning from Bishop G. She has welcomed me warmly and thoughtfully guided my return to the diocese.

Anyone who knows Bishop G will not be surprised to hear that she has put me to work! On Sundays, she has sent me across the diocese to visit parishes that do not need confirmations—since I’m not a bishop yet—and has also given me the tremendous gift of observing her leadership in a wide variety of settings.

I am profoundly grateful for the way she consistently points us toward God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I have only been here a few weeks, yet I cannot count the number of times I have heard her say, “It’s the Holy Spirit.”

In that regard, I am reminded of the words of St. Augustine: “For you I am a bishop; but with you I am a Christian. The former is a duty; the latter a grace.” Bishop G serves faithfully in her office while not losing sight of her identity as a follower of Christ. 

I am so inspired by her conviction that the best days of the Episcopal Church are ahead of us, not behind us. She certainly understands the challenges and pressures facing parishes and clergy today, yet she has led with hope and confidence in God’s future for the Church. Her episcopacy has strengthened parishes of every size because she has remained steadfast in preaching the Gospel and focused on helping parishes thrive for the long term.

Perhaps most importantly, Bishop G has given not only her mind but also her heart to this ministry. I know firsthand her love for our clergy, our parishes, and our ministries. As a dynamic leader, she is willing to ask important questions of all of us and encourage us — in the words of the spiritual — to keep our lamps trimmed and burning. She leads and shepherds, though, out of a deep love for our Lord and for the Diocese of Alabama.

Thank you, Bishop G, for your inspired service as the 12th Bishop of Alabama. Yes, it is the Holy Spirit. May retirement bring rest, joy, and adventure for you and Bill.

—Richard, Bishop-Elect.