This past weekend, the people and clergy of the Diocese of California elected me to serve as their 9th Bishop. I am extremely thankful for the trust they have put in me, and I look forward to the chance to serve the diocese and the larger church through this important ministry.
But as much joy as I feel about this opportunity, it comes with the sadness of having to leave this magnificent church of St. Paul’s, the Joel Nafuma Refugee Center, and you: the people I love. Words cannot do justice to the depth of feeling I have for you and for the way in which you’ve embraced our family and embraced the gospel call in this place. I have more to say about this in the weeks ahead, but since Father Jim is serving as my surrogate this week, I think it better to keep it brief for now.
Know that I love you.
Know that you have what you need to keep St. Paul’s strong in the days ahead, and that God will bless you with another faithful priest in the interim period and in the eventual call of a new Rector.
Know that God will be with us through it all—and no matter the miles that may separate us, the same Spirit that blesses us with abundant, shared life will keep us connected until we are all called to our eternal home.
Yours in Christ,
Austin
St. Paul’s Book Club
Join an international online group of book friends to discuss this startling work of realism and invention that engages brilliantly with literature, music, race, and history as it examines the passage of time and how we mark it.
