Strengths, Challenges, Hopes, and Dreams Then you will know that I am the Lord, those who
The pandemic forced us to adapt how we “do
hope in me will not be disappointed.
church,” and in some instances technology helped
ISAIAH 49:23B
The conversations in our listening sessions provided thoughts on our strengths, challenges, hopes, and dreams for the Diocese of Maryland. As a leader of the episcopate, the bishop is the face of the Church. Your voice has weight and expressing it on the causes you support is important and necessary. Taking care of the inner workings of the Diocese
us reach more people than before. Smaller city and rural parishes were challenged with fewer people and limited financial resources. Some larger churches maintained the status quo, but still feel the need to reach more people. We see attracting and retaining young parishioners and young families as a major opportunity for our next bishop.
is part of the job, as is being aware of the outreach
Congregations will be looking for leadership as
aspect of the position. The Diocese of Maryland
shrinking membership, age demographics, and
has taken the lead on consequential issues. This
the critical need to recapture lost vitality are a
provides an opportunity for the bishop to step up
cause for concern.
and embrace new or existing ministries or causes that can change lives. The destination of the Diocese of Maryland is “to be a community of love,” and the bishop has the potential to move the needle on social problems, set the bar high, and challenge the flock to engage as well.
Our mission to be seen as welcoming to all people in our diverse communities, whether characterized by ethnicity, race, sexual and gender orientation, language differences, age, or economic circumstances has not wavered. The people of our diocese state the importance of being more inclusive and
As we move towards ending the restrictions of
open to minorities, both clergy and lay. Many of our
a pandemic, we believe that growing the Diocese,
congregations welcome and embrace a relationship
while considering today’s demographics, is a
with LGBTQ+ people. We see our diversity as a gift,
priority for our next bishop. Reversing declining
and we work faithfully and intentionally to hold the
membership and growing our membership will
many differing perspectives of our church family in
require the development of creative and innovative
a creative tension and dialogue that enriches us all.
ways to help existing congregations stay in business. Some suggested closing or merging parishes, while others believe we are ripe for church plantings. The new bishop will have to take the time to evaluate the reality of both these options and the impact it would have on specific regions and congregants in the diocese.
The next bishop should be open to engaging conversations about racial reconciliation, have an active role in the reparations programs of the Diocese, and be aware of individual parishes’ initiatives. At the 236th Diocesan Convention, Resolution 2020-06 passed, allocating a $1,000,000 seed fund to support the work of reconciliation and racial restitution throughout the Diocese.
16 | Profile for the XV Bishop of Maryland
