October 19, 2024
Dear Members of the Episcopal Church in Central PA
It is with great excitement that we share that the Conventions of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Bethlehem both voted to reunify on October 19, 2024. Pending the reception of consents from a majority of Standing Committees and Bishops Diocesan of The Episcopal Church, our dioceses will enter into 2025 as the “Year of Transition (2025)” during which we will continue to deepen our relationships, align systems and budgets, further develop the Constitution and Canons for a reunified diocese and much more. We will officially become the Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna on January 1, 2026.
The Diocese of Bethlehem voted 86.5% in support, 13.46% against. The Diocese of Central Pennsylvania voted 84.5% in support, 15.5% against. The votes were announced simultaneously to each Convention and then again when delegates came together for a shared lunch and joint service of Holy Eucharist.
The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, said, “I am delighted that our two dioceses have chosen this way forward to reunite and serve God’s Mission together. This is bold and courageous work and we live in hope that with God, all things are possible! (Mt. 19:26) The next year for us- a Year of Transition- will invite us to deepen our relationships as we merge committees and ministries. It will be good and holy work that will secure the Episcopal presence in our part of Pennsylvania for generations to come.”
Bishop Nichols of the Diocese of Bethlehem said, “During the last year, the work of the Reunification Discernment Committee was intentional and comprehensive, engaging with a large portion of the Diocese of Bethlehem to include a wide range of opinions and perspectives. I am grateful for everyone’s efforts towards this important discernment and am eager to begin the work of becoming one body as the Diocese of the Susquehanna.”
The next steps for our Dioceses involve forming a Leadership Team and Working Groups to take on the projects involved with the Year of Transition. Stay tuned for ways to get involved in helping us become the reunified diocese we are being called to be.
