Reflections on Katharine Jefferts Schori's Nine Year Term Coming To a Close

Katharine Jefferts Schori's term as Presiding Bishop coincides with my journey as an Episcopalian. I was baptized into the Episcopal Church in April 2006 at age 37. As a new convert, I kept watch with enthusiasm on anything to do with the Episcopal Church. Bishop Katharine was elected in June 2006. I was instantly intrigued by her. I remember the day of her election. CNN's website announced that a mainline denomination had elected it's first female leader. Her background in biology, and her love of flying were among the traits I found appealing. She affirmed that religion and science can coexist together, which is something I also believe. Then, I heard her preach, and I became a fan for life. When I first set eyes on her at installation at Washington National Cathedral via video, I knew she was different than her predecessors. The "sunrise" vestments of bright purples, pinks and green that she wore were a good indication of this. During her nine year term, she would face opposition and infighting and groundbreaking as well. I know there are those who think she is a divisive figure. I beg to differ. She is a figure who was faced with dividers. Her 9 year term was full of peaks and valleys, and full of theological statements. She authored books. She guest preached. She traveled a LOT. In my own 9 years with the Church, experienced many peaks and valleys too. I was baptized, confirmed, served on a vestry, attended my diocese's convention, entered the discernment process to enter the diaconate, withdrew from the process of entering the diaconate, authored and preached sermons, became hurt by and left a parish, joined a new parish and found a new church family, and completed a B.Th (theology degree). Over the years, I met several amazing people- clergy and lay alike. I've visited about 30 Episcopal churches. I've made friends, and lost friends either by circumstance, or by death. Many tears, but a lot of joy too. And today I am both sad and happy. Sad to see the "KJS Era" end, but happy for her as she begins a new period in her life. It was in 2009 that I first came face to face with Katharine Jefferts Schori. She was a guest Celebrant at Church of the Holy Trinity in Philadelphia. I remember looking right in her eyes as I received communion from her. The choir was singing "Let Us Break Bread Together." It was magical. After the service, she signed my copy of "A Wing and a Prayer" . I was struck by her humility. It was soon after when I launched my "Unofficial Katharine Jefferts Schori Fan Page". This page will still be kept active even though her term has ended. I would meet her 2 more times, and both of these times were also magical. I almost look at her with a childlike awe when I see her. It may be hard for some to understand how much she means to me and it is kind of a challenge to convey it. But I will say she was, and is, a major figure in my spiritual journey. I would branch out to turning my attention to other spiritual figures: I launched a blog called "Chicks in Pointy Hats" which celebrates all women bishops, along with its companion Facebook page. I would read books by Spong, Nouwen, and others. I would study other faiths. I would go see Pope Francis in person and chalk it up to one of the greatest experiences ever. In closing, I would like to say Thank You to Bishop Katharine. Thank you for your presence and your inspiration. Thank you for signing my book and posing for pictures with me. I look forward to seeing what you do next whether it be writing, speaking, guest preaching, teaching- or just plain enjoying yourself and your family. God bless you. ‘“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”’

"I am deeply grateful for what God has been up to in the midst of our journey together"

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori: I am deeply grateful for what God has been up to in the midst of our journey together [October 23, 2015] Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has issued the following: The Episcopal Church has come a long way in the last 10 years. We are no longer consumed by internal conflict over various social issues. We are clearer about who we are – a multinational church, with congregations in 17 nations, worshipping in countless different languages, thriving in international, immigrant, and multicultural contexts everywhere, and discovering the abundant life that comes in turning outward to love the neighbors nearby and far away. We are far more conscious about our vocation as partners in the mission of God to reconcile and heal the world, particularly shaped by the Five Anglican Marks of Mission. We are holding our identity as Episcopal Christians a bit more confidently, even in the midst of our diversity. We are also more willing to hold that identity lightly and gracefully in engaging other Christians and people of other religious traditions, searching for what we dream of in common – shalom, the Reign of God, a more just and peaceful world, with abundant life for all creation. I am deeply grateful for what God has been up to in the midst of our journey together, and I look forward to seeing how this church of the middle way will continue to lead and partner as we travel the road home, into God’s fullest dream of abundant life for all. I thank the people of this Church and beyond for your prayers over the last nine years – especially in recognition that we do this work together, never alone. May God bless the next chapter of The Episcopal Church’s engagement in God’s mission, as we go together into Galilee! The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori Presiding Bishop and Primate The Episcopal Church

Video: Jefferts Schori reflects on nine-year term as Presiding Bishop

http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/10/30/video-jefferts-schori-reflects-on-nine-year-term-as-presiding-bishop/ Courtesy of Episcopal News Service