Just a few weeks ago we met together for the Special Electing Convention. I remain humbled and honored by the trust that has been placed in me by the Diocese. I look forward with joy to entering this partnership in the Gospel with you. May God impart his grace to us so that we might be empowered in that mission.
What’s Next
The next major milestone in this process is the meeting of the College of Bishops the week of June 13. The election must be confirmed by the College at that time. I will be traveling to Virginia for that meeting and invite you to keep all the deliberations of the College in your prayers.
The end of that week Tamara and I, with two other bishops-elect and their wives, will be participating in a pre-consecration retreat sponsored by the College.
Then, as you are likely aware, the service of consecration is scheduled for August 6th (Church of the Ascension, Oakland). My prayer is that at this gathering of the Diocese the Lord will encourage us individually and corporately and begin to forge a solid pastoral bond between us for the months and years ahead.
I have had some sabbatical time planned for this summer and the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council have been gracious in seeking to honor that time. I will be on sabbatical from June 25 through July 31 and then again from August 8 to August 31. I will be in Pittsburgh the week prior to the consecration and will be available for any critical diocesan work during the weeks beginning June 20 and August 1. I have asked the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council to make me aware of what matters most and needs my attention in these weeks.
Bishop Martyn Minns has graciously agreed to be available for any emergency pastoral care for the clergy during my sabbatical time. I am grateful to him for his service both to the Diocese and to me in this kind offer.
I look forward to getting to know many of you in the days to come. I am looking forward to spending time with the clergy at the annual overnight Clergy Retreat (September 14-15). This will be my first opportunity to connect with many of the clergy face-to-face in a substantive way. I anticipate that time with joy.
Grace and peace to you,
Bishop-Elect Alex Cameron
