Electing Convention: Bishop Wolf's Sermon

June 2nd, 2012

In the fullness of God’s grace, we gather together this first Saturday in June, to elect the thirteenth bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island.

With sincere and deep gratitude to the untiring efforts of the Search Committee, and the ongoing work of the Transition Committee, we have five highly capable and well-qualified nominees. There is a wonderful sense of energy

of excitement and expectation in the air, and I pray that you will vote with confidence for the person you believe will best lead our diocese in the years ahead.  I know that Jesus is with us now, praying for us, and deeply present in the heart of each of our nominees.

As stated in the profile, the challenges to this diocese demand visionary leadership. However, visionary leadership demands a visionary community, filled with people willing to answer with boldness Jesus’ enduring invitation: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Visionary leadership requires passionate, committed, and Spirit-filled followers willing to let go of self-interest in the service of the Good News.

Indeed, all of our nominees possess the gifts to grow into Episcopal ministry, but they will need the support of everyone in the diocese. Today’s election is only the beginning, for it us up to every person to take part in the development and implementation of the mission and ministry that you claim together.

The Church is at a wonderful crossroads:  just enough tension to inspire taking some risks; just enough financial insecurity to be creative; just enough healthy anxiety for something new and unexpected to emerge.

Within the wider Church the Diocese of Rhode Island is on the threshold of an exciting future. Why? Because we are well on our way to right-sizing, and we have a wonderful cadre of younger priests who with our more seasoned clergy bring the vitality and creative imagination that are the ingredients for new life. I am equally convinced that many of our church members are read to discover and live out their Christian calling with greater intensity and commitment. The next bishop will share with you in the challenges, and rejoice with you in the new life that is sure to come.

In a few hours, we will know the name of the bishop-elect. He or she will need a generous amount of time to get to know you, our churches, and the workings and ministry of our diocese.

The bishop-elect, will be ordained to the Episcopate on November 17^th of this year. In the course of the liturgy, I will place in his or her hands the crozier, one of the great symbols of the Episcopal office, and we will have a new diocesan bishop.

Take a few deep breaths, my friends, surrender to the power of God’s Holy Wisdom guiding your hearts and minds for the good of the diocese and the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. Let the Holy Spirit reveal to you your bishop and companion in Christ’s ministry, someone with whom you will grow in trust, someone you are willing to make a great bishop and an even stronger diocese.