5 November 2022
Dear Members of the Episcopal Church in Central PA,
The Diocesan Conventions of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Bethlehem each passed a resolution titled Seeking Study of a Potential Reunification of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania and the Diocese of Bethlehem. All those interested in serving on the committee, whether as an at-large member or representative of the Standing Committee or Council of Trustees, must complete an application. This exploration will be conducted by both bishops, supported by a Discernment Committee of 10 additional people comprised of two chancellors, two members of the Standing Committees, two members of the Councils of Trustees, and two members from each diocese, with equal representation from each diocese.
The work of the Discernment Committee is to explore opportunities in the areas of general operations, formation, finance, pastoral care, stewardship, social justice ministries, staffing, and children and youth ministry as well as the gifts, strengths, and priorities of each diocese and this Discernment Committee will consider a plan for full reunification as well as any interim sharing of resources and, if feasible, seek to provide a draft timetable for those efforts.
- Applications must be received before November 21, 2022.
- At-Large Members of the Discernment Committee will be selected by each diocese’s Standing Committee and announced before December 31, 2022.
- Applicants must be able to attend the kick-off retreat, January 26 through January 28, 2023, in Lancaster, PA.
To complete the member application, please click here.
