Diocese of Oregon

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Comment by Peter Fones on May 23, 2009 at 7:45pm

Being proactive does not mean that we focus on candidates that are simply different than our previous bishop. We can use our experience with him to help us sort out what qualities and skills we are looking for in our next bishop, as well as what we have learned will does not work well for us. I suspect that we did not ask enough questions about the candidates then, and we now have that opportunity to try this again. This needs to be about leadership, not management. Who can lead this diocese and inspire its people. The Standing Committee, Council and Trustees have demonstrated an ability to manage. Let our next bishop have the ability to lead with vision.

Comment by Tom Sramek, Jr. on May 23, 2009 at 10:40am

I agree that there should be no one single criterion for selection and that "someone who bears witness to a Christ-centered life and who inspires others to discipleship" is certainly desirable. I personally had no issues with our previous bishop, but I may well have been one of the few. I do think we need to be proactive, not reactive, in our selection (i.e., not selecting someone because they are unlike one of our previous bishops). I'm also really looking for someone who can articulate a vision for church planting and revitalization in the 21st century. For financial reasons, if for no other reason, decentralization is going to be a given for the next bishop in the Diocese of Oregon and how that person articulates that and uses it as an advantage rather than a necessary evil will be a something to watch.

Comment by Maureen Hagen on May 21, 2009 at 2:36pm

I hope we never use a single criterion to determine our bishop. What appeals to me is someone who bears witness to a Christ-centered life and who inspires others to discipleship.
In general, I would think GenX candidates will become increasingly attractive as they gain experience. Already, those in the bridge years (1961-1964) have reached high levels in our church and our nation. I do hope those with young children might consider the wisdom of waiting a bit as it is a very demanding vocation.

Comment by Peter Fones on May 21, 2009 at 11:39am

I hope that our election of a new bishop will have more to do with the very active and creative ministry of our current Assisting Bishop than our former diocesan. He has brought the role and function of a bishop to our communities and homes, utilitzing an embracing and encompassing Anglicanism that seeks to build up the body. The age or birthplace of our next bishop is not of particular consequence as long as that person pastorally connects with this diocese and seek to link theirself with our work to share the Good News in our many manifestations of "church".

Comment by Michelle Harvey on April 1, 2009 at 11:22pm

I really hope that our previous leadership being GenX does not tarnish the diocesan view of younger folks. An entire generation cannot be labeled by one person!!!!

Comment by Tom Sramek, Jr. on July 20, 2008 at 10:15pm

Hey, all you Diocese of Oregon anglimergent types! I thought that since others were creating places to converse for their dioceses, it would be worth creating one for ours. I'm especially interested in whether you think, given our recent history with a GenX (if semi-foreign) bishop will factor into the possibility of electing yet another GenX bishop or whether we'll go the safe "old school" route.