Diocese of Bethlehem, Diocese of Central Pennsylvania Reunification
Transition Leadership News
December 2024
For immediate release to both dioceses
Bishop Kevin Nichols of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem and Bishop Audrey Scanlan of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania, along with their Standing Committees, announce the next steps in the transition to one reunited diocese.
The Transition Leadership Committee (TLC) has been appointed and will begin its formal work with a two-day retreat in mid-January.
Those appointed to the TLC are:
Bishops: Kevin Nichols (Dio Beth), Audrey Scanlan (CPA)
Chancellor: Wiley Parker (Dio Beth), Michael Miller (CPA)
At Large: Sidnie Crawford, Steve Baker (Dio Beth), Jim Strader- Sasser and Lisa Work (CPA)
Reunification Discernment Committee: Rodney Conn (Dio Beth), Drew Dorgan (CPA)
Standing Com: Doug Moyer (Dio Beth), Barb Cross (CPA)
Staff: Sandy Milien (Dio Beth), Nichol Free (CPA)
Chaplain: Chris Sutton (Dio Beth), Jane Miron (CPA)
The TLC will offer oversight to 10 Working Groups who will work out the details of our reunification as we move through 2025, our “Year of Transition.” The TLC will create a timeline for the work that is to be accomplished, serve to support the Working Groups and assist in communicating the progress of the transition to the dioceses. They will appoint the co-chairs of the Working Groups.
The 10 Working Groups will consist of 5-15 people, each, and include clergy, lay and staff from both dioceses, drawing on the considerable talent and expertise within our two dioceses. The Working Groups will be in these areas: Constitution and Canons, Title IV Disciplinary Board, Joint Finance, Legal Processes, Shield and Branding, Offices for the new diocese, Commission on Ministry, Clergy Life and Ministry, Social Justice Ministries, Granting Processes. The bishops will convene a group to envision episcopal ministry. The Working Groups will convene in February.
Please keep the work of the Transition Leadership Committee and the Working Groups in your prayers as we work to come together for the glory of God and to strengthen our participation in God’s mission.
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