June 30, 2026

A Letter from the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland Regarding the Bishop Discernment Process

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland is living into a historic moment in its life together. As we continue the journey toward electing our first Bishop as a diocese, church leadership has chosen to take additional time to strengthen the foundation upon which that ministry will be built.

This decision was made with prayer, care, and a shared commitment to the future of Navajoland. The goal remains the election of a Bishop who can lead a strong and thriving diocese for years to come.

The Standing Committee of Navajoland, the candidates for bishop, and the Office of the Presiding Bishop continue to work together as partners in this effort. The candidates remain committed to the diocese and will be active leaders in this discernment and formation work. 

During this time, we are addressing the future of Navajoland to ensure its long-term sustainability, leadership development, diocesan structure, and to nurture the relationship between Navajoland and the Wider Episcopal Church. This work is intended to strengthen the diocese and prepare it for the next chapter of its life and ministry.

Throughout this journey, we have been and will continue to be in communication with Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe and his staff. He confirmed his support and asked us to share this word of encouragement: “As Diné leadership looks closely at the opportunities and challenges ahead, I want to reaffirm that the Episcopal Church as a whole has a special responsibility for the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland, and I am committed to supporting your mission vitality and continued discernment.” 

The Episcopal Church remains committed to Navajoland and to the unique gifts it offers the wider church. The wisdom, resilience, faith, and leadership of the people of Navajoland continue to shape the church’s understanding of Indigenous ministry and Christian discipleship. As followers of Jesus, we seek to walk in reconciliation, harmony, and right relationship with one another. We remain grateful for the prayers, patience, and support of our congregations, partners, and friends as we continue this journey together.

Work toward the election of episcopal leadership in the Episcopal Church in Navajoland continues, and additional information will be shared as plans are finalized.

May we continue to walk the Beauty Way together.

The Rev. Jack Chase

President Pro Tem

Standing Committee

Episcopal Church in Navajoland

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.

Dear Friends in Christ,

Yáʼátʼééh – greetings of peace and blessing to you and your loved ones.

This year has been a historic and spirit-filled time in the life of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland. In June 2025, we gathered for our first-ever Diocesan Convention as a Missionary Diocese, a sacred milestone in our shared journey of faith, leadership, and cultural witness.

Important Change:

We had initially planned to gather in Ft. Defiance in November 2025 for the 49th Convocation. After much prayer and discernment, the Council has made the decision to cancel the November 2025 Convocation and instead hold it during the summer of the following year.

This change ensures that more families can attend during summer break and reduces the logistical burden on our regions, having to host two events back-to-back.

Updated Schedule:

• 49th Convocation (In-Person)
  New Date: June 12–13, 2026
  New Location: Bluff, Utah
• Diocesan Convention (Virtual)
  Date: November 7, 2026
  Location: Online via Zoom

This shift allows us to gather for our Celebratory Convocation during the summer months, a season when families are more able to travel, school is on break, and our communities are freer to come together in celebration.

The November 2026 Diocesan Convention will now be held virtually, focusing on the necessary work of governance, leadership, and vision, allowing us to steward our mission with care, without placing additional travel or hosting demands on our regions.

As we are in a time of change, we are still finding what works best for all of us. With each step, we are seeking to align our gatherings more closely with our cultural rhythms, our practical realities, and the mission of the Church. We appreciate your patience, prayers, and continued support as we walk this new path together.

We apologize for any inconvenience these changes may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we continue to grow into this new season together.

Through these gatherings, whether for sacred business or shared joy, we remain grounded in the spirit of hózhǫ́, walking in beauty, balance, and faith. We look forward to welcoming you to Bluff in 2026 for a Convocation filled with song, teaching, community, and thanksgiving.

In peace and hope,

Your friends in Navajoland