Eastertide 2024
Dear Friends in Christ:
One sign of Easter among us here in Navajoland is something you may have heard about by now: after forty years as an “Area Mission” of the Episcopal Church, ECN has formally petitioned to become a “Missionary Diocese.” That change, if it is approved by General Convention, may not make an obvious difference. ECN will continue to function much as it does now, with the same devoted followers of the Risen Christ seeking to faithfully serve him in
the remarkable—and remarkably challenging—context of Navajoland. Opportunities, needs, and resources will not be different; we will still need help: to remake aging buildings into safe havens for community care; to assure ongoing health insurance for our clergy and lay employees; to help address the need of multiple communities for access to safe, clean water; to
offer programs of healing that address the effects of generations of trauma and injustice; and so much more. ECN will continue to be, in the language of the Canons, a part of the Episcopal
Church “for which this Church as a whole assumes a special responsibility” (I.11.1). The main difference this change will make is that it will give the Episcopal Church in Navajoland the authority to elect a bishop for itself, just like any other diocese, rather than having its bishops appointed by others. It will be a profound step forward in self-determination, dignity, and empowerment. I hope it will soon be possible for us all to realize and celebrate it together.
“Together” is the key word here. We look to the whole Church to take its “special responsibility” seriously. We look for the vital relationships we have with generous friends like
you to continue and flourish. We thank God for you, and your support. God has brought us to this moment together. May the Holy Spirit guide us all in this new beginning. Together may we
walk in the Beauty Way, in the love of Jesus, and in the power of his Resurrection.
Gratefully,
+Barry
Bishop Provisional