Beloved of the Diocese of Kansas,
Know that my love for the Diocese of Kansas runs deep.
Through prayer, and discussion with advisors and my family, I have discerned a 2026 resignation as Bishop of Kansas and am calling for the election of the 11th Bishop of Kansas in 2026. I want to share the reasons leading to my decision.
First, I believe I am called to focus even more fully on Creation Care. Currently, the opportunity has surfaced to work in a consultant role with Presiding Bishop Rowe, his staff, and bishops and green leaders across The Episcopal Church to build out Eco-Region Networks in the U.S. and Province IX, and to continue our Grasslands Network efforts. This role will allow me to continue to support Bethany House and Garden and Kansas Creation Trustees until the new bishop is in place and potentially afterward with their blessing.
Second, I desire to slow down and devote more time and attention to my family. I received my first paycheck from the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas as a KU Canterbury Peer Minister in 1982, was ordained in 1990, and have served full-time across the Church ever since! Tim has been so supportive for all these years of ministry. We plan to stay in our current home, and I look forward to much gardening and prairie restoration in my retirement! We anticipate sharing many common interests from literary to outdoor pursuits. Our sons and their partners are in Des Moines and Boston and I long for more time with them. Tim’s mother is 94, and I want to be a companion to her and my three older sisters.
Undeniably, there are many challenges the diocese will face ahead. But with the grace of a true “working board” in the Council of Trustees and a stellar Diocesan Staff, we have mapped priorities that provide a clear path to follow in faith.
- Congregational Vitality: I am grateful that we have not had to close any of our 44 churches during my episcopacy. They remain centers for the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement in their towns and neighborhoods. I see our Minsters contributing to parish viability and strength. As Diocesan Church Planter, Father Jere Hinson will offer support to our experimental Shared Ministry Minsters. Together we have read the missional ideas of Michael Curry; Alan Roxburgh; Sam Wells and Eric Law. We have a gifted and responsive staff who resource and encourage our parishes.
- Justice, Welcome & Inclusion: As Multicultural Consultant for the diocese, Bishop Daniel Genovesi will support our new multicultural and bilingual communities in Kansas City, Emporia, Overland Park, and Wichita. A new Task Force is discerning how to organize itself to tackle the many issues of justice and inclusion today. Bethany House and Garden offers a model of creative presence in our neighborhoods.
- Youth and Young Adults: Through steadfast relationship-building, creative programming, parish support, and Missioner Karen Schlabach’s faithful leadership, our Youth, and Campus Ministries are active and strong. A new Task Force will help guide the work, and momentum is beginning for us to raise a Camp Endowment so that every young person has access to the experience of the solid faith and community formation Kansas Mega-Camp provides.
- Leadership Capacity: Our Canons and all the staff are extraordinary in their presence and wisdom shared. Canon Lisa Senuta’s whole-hearted and expansive embrace of my call to deepen our spiritual lives is a lasting legacy.
Dr. Sarah Stonesifer Boylan of the Presiding Bishop’s office will travel to be with us at our Council of Trustees meeting in Topeka on Wednesday. She will guide the Council’s discussion on the possible timeline and options for this transition. Here is the recommended timeline from the Presiding Bishop’s office that may be refined in our discussion:
- My last day: January 31, 2026
- Electing Convention: Spring 2026
- Consecration of 11th Bishop of Kansas: 167th Convention, October 2026
My full visitation schedule for this final year will be shared in detail soon. I will do Area Confirmations in each Convocation and spend a few days for weekday visits and farewells in each region.
“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
Again please know that my love for the Diocese of Kansas runs deep. It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your Bishop.
+ Cathleen
Cathleen Chittenden Bascom
Tenth Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Kansas