Clergy, Wardens, and Vestry Leaders,
At the time I became your bishop, I made a commitment to give and receive feedback in ways that support the flourishing of our shared ministries as a diocese. I am grateful to share that on June 25th, two leaders from each of our governing bodies took part in what we believe is the first diocesan Mutual Ministry Review in the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
With the Most Rev. Melissa Skelton as our facilitator, participants reflected on key questions on behalf of their own governing body and in relation to the other bodies and with me as bishop. The group met together on Zoom before the review to discuss the process and share questions ahead of meeting in-person at St. Patrick’s, Lebanon on June 25th where Archbishop Skelton guided us through a series of conversations based on our reflections.
You will find the executive summary of Archbishop Skelton’s report at this link.
I am deeply grateful to each of the participants in this process: the Rev. Jed Dearing, Dr. James Allsop on behalf of the Standing Committee, the Rev. Jason Emerson and Ms. Spencer Izor on behalf of the Diocesan Council, and the Rev. Jack Koepke and the Hon. Tyrone Yates on behalf of the Diocesan Trustees.
This process felt authentically mutual, as we prayed together, and as each of us reflected on our own ministries of leadership and shared feedback with one another. I experienced it as an opportunity to build trust among leaders of the diocese, as, together, we seek to strengthen the Body of Christ throughout the Diocese of Southern Ohio.
As canon for congregations, the Rev. Canon Meredith Day Hearn is working with me to develop a similar process for rectors/priests-in-charge, wardens, and vestries to follow for congregational Mutual Ministry Reviews. We anticipate having that process available, as well as a list of trained facilitators, beginning early in 2026.
The findings you will see in this executive summary are consistent with what we have heard about God’s call to us as a diocese since I began discerning the possibility of serving as your bishop. I give thanks to God and to our leaders for the progress we have made to this point, even as I look with hope toward the Holy Spirit’s guidance into the future.
Yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Kristin Uffelman White
Bishop
Diocese of Southern Ohio
