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.”’