Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
June 24, 2026

The Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner concluded his ministry as Bishop Provisional of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland on June 21, 2026. As he prepares to step away from this role, he offers the following farewell message to the people of Navajoland.

Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptizer
June 24, 2026

Dear Friends in Christ:

Grace and peace to you.

Three years ago, at Good Shepherd, Ft. Defiance, I was installed as Bishop Provisional for the Episcopal Church in Navajoland—the “Bridge Bishop” called to walk with you on the transitional path extending from Bishop David Bailey’s retirement, into the (then largely unexplored) landscape of electing your own bishop, and other major new beginnings. After thirteen years as Bishop Diocesan in Northern California, learning to be a part-time, temporary, commuter bishop over the past three years has been personally challenging in many ways; learning that new ministry together with you has been one of the greatest blessings of my life.

Together, we have faced many challenges and celebrated many achievements. Together, we were led by God to discern the Three Streams that have prioritized so much of our work. Together, we have received the wonderful gift of our Mission Prayer and been blessed to experience its transforming power in our lives. I have been proud and happy to be your bishop, and deeply grateful for the time we have had together.

With my departure, the Standing Committee now becomes the “Ecclesiastical Authority” for ECN, overseeing the Diocese in most respects just as a bishop would. What a gift to have such wise and good souls in this position of authority! Clergy members Jack Chase (President Pro Tem), Cornelia Eaton, Leon Sampson, and Lay members Margaret Benally, Maggie Brown, and Anna Fowler have served and will continue to serve you faithfully and well. In addition, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe has made clear his intention to be directly engaged in assisting you in your progress as a new diocese, not least in matters related to the election of a bishop. And I am very gratefully aware of the many souls whose work, service, and sacrifice help the Episcopal Church in Navajoland thrive: all clergy and lay leaders, Diocesan and Regional Staff, and volunteers, and our many friends, allies, and supporters throughout the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. I leave knowing that ECN is truly in good hands!

I had expected to see a bishop election before my time with you came to an end, and I share with you some of the general surprise and disappointment that it was not to be. But I also see how this recent decision to postpone the election works to the good of all, and will help to make ECN a stronger diocese. Still, this extended transition period requires renewed commitment and effort from everyone—most especially from our two Navajo candidates for election. With that in mind, at the concluding Eucharist of our diocesan gatherings in Bluff earlier this month, I invited Cornelia+ and Leon+ to address the congregation, sharing honestly and openly what was in their hearts amid this challenging process. What they shared with us was beautiful and inspirational. I then asked all gathered to join with me in making a public, shared commitment: to pray for them, so that they might be helped to serve faithfully; to serve with them, so that they do not bear the burdens of leadership alone; and to walk with them in the path to which God has called us, as described for us in our Mission Prayer. Our response was to promise, “I will, with God’s help.”

I now ask that all who were not present in that moment join the rest of us in making and fulfilling this commitment, that the election, when it comes, will not be the end of this remarkable path, but another step forward in ECN’s ongoing transformation. I pray that it will lead to the day when every baptized member of this community discerns their personal call from God, realizes their God-given gifts, and is empowered to live in partnership with God in God’s work to restore holy harmony in this world, following Jesus in his way—the Beauty Way.

It has now become my spiritual practice to pray the Mission Prayer at the start of each new day, and also each evening, when Ann and I regularly sit and pray together. In that way, my days are wrapped in an awareness of the relationship God has established between us. My role in ECN’s life has now changed, but that relationship endures. We will see less of each other going forward, but I will continue to seek to walk with you in the Beauty Way, every remaining day God gives to me. You have helped me, taught me, and blessed me more than I could have asked or imagined, and I will always be grateful. May God bless you richly, deeply, always.

Yours in Christ,

+Barry

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland gives thanks for Bishop Barry’s faithful ministry, leadership, and companionship during these past three years. We are grateful for his guidance as we transitioned into a Missionary Diocese and continued to grow in our shared ministry and mission.

We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Rev. Dr. Ann Hallisey for her support, friendship, and presence among us throughout this journey.

As Bishop Barry and Ann begin this next chapter, we offer our prayers and best wishes. May God continue to bless them with health, joy, peace, and many opportunities for rest and renewal.

Ahéhee’ for your service to the people of Navajoland. You will remain in our prayers as we continue to walk together in the Beauty Way.