Bishop Baxter Writes
...
Dear Sisters and Brothers in
Christ,
I write to share with you
important news concerning our Companion Diocese of
São Paulo, Brazil. The Diocese
of Sao Paulo has been in discernment for the past
year, preparing to elect a new diocesan
bishop. Over the past six years, the Rt.
Rev. Roger Bird has served as the Bishop of
São Paulo. Many of you will remember
him, having visited us twice in Central
Pennsylvania. He has had a wonderful
ministry as the shepherd of our Companion Diocese
and we rejoice with him in his retirement, which
began on January 1, 2013.
The process for calling a new
bishop culminated with an electing convention in
early November. Two fine candidates were
raised up for the discernment of the diocesan
delegates. Sad to say, the convention was
just about deadlocked, with a tie broken by only
one vote. Because the election was so close,
the results were challenged. Over the past
two months the Primate of the Episcopal Church of
Brazil, as well as the State government of
São Paulo, have become involved in the
dispute.
To make a long story short, the
consecration of a new bishop is now “on
hold”. The Primate of Brazil, Bishop
Maurício Andrade, currently exercises
authority directly over the Diocese of São
Paulo. As you can imagine, this situation has
caused great distress in the diocesan family.
I would ask that we all keep
Bishop Roger and the Diocese of São Paulo
in our active prayers in this moment. For
those of you who have a companion relationship
with a congregation in São Paulo, would you
please reach out to your friends with expressions
of support and assurances of prayer? This
would be particularly appropriate as we approach
the season of Lent, prepare to commemorate Holy
Week and look forward to affirming the
Resurrection of our Savior.
And I want you to know that I am
also in contact with Bishop Roger and other
leaders of the Diocese of São Paulo. Our
diocesan Partners in Mission Committee, chaired by
Dr. David Myers of St. Andrew’s, State College, is
in the process of assembling a fitting tribute to
Bishop Roger in photographs, celebrating our
companionship. We have two more years
left in our companionship covenant with Sao
Paulo. This is an important time for us to
be supportive of so many who have become dear
friends and companions in ministry.
Faithfully,
+Nathan
|
