2022 Spring ELCA Conference of Bishops has concluded. We began on Wednesday with imposition of ashes and then spent our next days together in retreat. Sharing in large and small groups about the hopes, opportunities, and challenges we are seeing in our church and in our conference.
This is the first time the CoB has met in person since March 2020. In that time the body has continued to become younger and more diverse. Bishops who are female make up almost half of the conference as well. We celebrate and give thanks for how God is calling new people to this office and also recognize that brings new perspectives and ways of being. As such this time together was critical to listen to one another deeply.
We also celebrated and gave thanks for 3 of my colleagues who were elected in 2016 and have chosen to retire. For Barb, Andy, and Jeff I give thanks. These have been good partners in this work the past six years and know they will serve God in new ways as well.
This also marked the first time in 2 years I spent more than one night away from my family. That was an adjustment for us to go back to zoom calls for bedtime and connecting. I am glad to be heading home now but grateful for this time together as we continue the work of our church. #NTNL #InMissionTogether