As the Presidents of the Standing Committees of the Dioceses of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, we write to share an update on the status of our Episcopal Partnership.

After a season of prayerful discernment, during which we listened to many voices across our dioceses, the May 3rd Joint Special Convention did not vote to extend the nature of our Partnership by electing a bishop diocesan together.

The Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania voted not to approve the resolution to begin the process of electing a bishop diocesan in partnership with the Diocese of Western New York. The vote tally was Clerical Order: 3–25; Lay Order: 11–43.

The Diocese of Western New York voted not to approve the resolution to begin the process of electing a bishop diocesan in partnership with the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. The vote tally was Clerical Order: 14–36; Lay Order: 45–68.

This decision was made carefully and faithfully, with a deep love for the Church and a commitment to what is best for the mission and ministry of each diocese. The Partnership Evaluation, Lenten Study and multiple in-person and Zoom listening and information sessions about the Special Convention provided invaluable assistance to our individual and collective discernment.

We want to say clearly: this decision does not erase the many ways God has blessed our shared life. Over the past 6 years, we have discovered the strength that comes from walking together, learning from each other, bearing witness together, and offering the world a witness of hope and collaboration. We give thanks for every relationship formed, every ministry strengthened and every new possibility glimpsed through our partnership. We will remain one in the Spirit even as we move forward as two dioceses.

The Standing Committees of each diocese will now begin the work of discerning next steps in securing its own episcopal oversight. Working with our Diocesan Councils, we hope to realign staff and administrative resources to serve each diocese separately—effective on or before July 1st. We are also making plans to celebrate what we have accomplished together in Partnership at a gathering on Thursday, June 19th . More information about this will be forthcoming.

We ask for your prayers in the days ahead – prayers for our dioceses, for our leaders, for our congregations, and most of all, for the Spirit’s continued guidance as we move forward. We trust that the God who has carried us thus far will continue to lead us into new chapters of ministry, filled with hope and new life.

With gratitude for you and for the journey we share,

Faithfully,

The Rev. Luke Fodor & The Rev. Canon Stacey Fussell