Dear Friends in Christ,
I have received the call and am in surgery for a lung transplant. I ask for your prayers. I am currently at the University of Washington Hospital and know that I am in the care of skilled and dedicated doctors and nurses.
What does this mean now?
The plan already in place for this moment is being activated. Canon Susan Cleveley is reaching out to the Presiding Bishop to let him know. My staff will continue their work, and I have complete trust and confidence in each one of them. All of our diocesan committees and commissions will continue to function as normal. Our congregational life continues. What this means now is that I am temporarily unavailable. Our mission and ministry continue, and while I ask that you keep me in your prayers, please know that I will also be keeping all of the diocese in mine. Meanwhile, Canon Susan will be in touch with me as needed and as I am available. I am grateful for her leadership and her ministry.
Updates will be coming out from the office as they are available.
In this time of both uncertainty and hope, let us all remember that the Diocese is in good hands, that we follow Jesus, and that God has blessed us and will continue to walk with us in our journey.
Faithfully,
+Gretchen
Update March 15, 2026
Dear Friends in Christ,
We are grateful to share that Bishop Gretchen’s lung transplant surgery has been completed, and the procedure went well. She is now in the ICU at the University of Washington Medical Center where she is recovering and being closely monitored by her medical team.
We give thanks for the skilled surgeons, doctors, and nurses who are caring for her, and for the many prayers that have been offered on her behalf across the Diocese.
Recovery from transplant surgery will take time, and Bishop Gretchen will remain unavailable while she rests and heals. In the meantime, the plans already in place for diocesan leadership continue, and Canon Susan Cleveley will remain in contact with her as appropriate and will share updates as they become available.
At this time Bishop is not able to accept gifts. However, if you would like to send her a card please mail it to the Diocesan office at 245 East 13th Ave. Spokane, WA 99202.
Please continue to keep Bishop Gretchen, her family, and her medical team in your prayers in the days and weeks ahead.
With gratitude for your prayers and faithfulness,
The Office of the Bishop