Wednesday
6 November 2024
Dear Members of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania,
This morning, we woke up to the outcome of an election that we knew, living in a “battleground” or “swing” state was going to make some people excited and happy, and other people anxious and despondent. Living in Pennsylvania in these past months has underscored the diversity of political opinion in our Commonwealth and has reminded us that, even in our own parishes, we cannot all be of one mind.
Many of our parish priests in the diocese have written to their congregations this morning, and the two officers of our Episcopal Church, The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop, and Ms. Julia Ayala Harris, President of the House of Deputies, have also offered some messages that I commend to you:
As the chief pastor and primate of our diocese, let me remind us that we have One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism (Ephesians 4:5) and that our mission as Christians has not changed: we are called to love God and to love our neighbor. The work that we do in our diocese serves the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit those in prison. We work for justice and peace and, in all that we do, we respect the dignity of every human being. I am proud to be a member of the Episcopal Branch of the Jesus movement and today, my path does not waiver. I am called to serve the least and lowly and to oversee this great diocese that strives to be messengers of God’s unending love.
We have so much to do. Our reunification with the Diocese of Bethlehem will strengthen us as we work together to end gun violence, build Latinx ministry, support our LGBTQIA+ siblings, join in the efforts of Migration Ministry, and care for our planet.
The author of the Letter to the Hebrews writes, “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23). Today, I stand in the Hope of Jesus Christ and his gospel of love. I am glad to be on the path with you.
In the Way of Love,
+Audrey
The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan
XI Central Pennsylvania
