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.

Update: Navajoland Standing Committee

Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
June 11, 2026

Yá’át’ééh,
The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland has approved changes regarding the planned Election Convention and election of our first Bishop Diocesan. 

After prayerful consultation and discernment, the election has been postponed to a future date. This is a postponement of the election process, not a cancellation.

Both nominees remain in the process and will continue to be considered when the election is reconvened.

We recognize that this change may come as a surprise and may raise questions. We also recognize that many have made plans to participate this weekend. We are grateful for your flexibility, patience, and prayers as we continue walking this journey together.

While we will not gather as an Election Convention this weekend, we will still gather as the people of Navajoland for worship, fellowship, prayer, conversation, and discernment.

Friday, June 12
The planned Day of Discernment will continue as an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and conversation among delegates, clergy, and leaders as we continue discerning the future of our Diocese together.

Saturday, June 13
We will gather for fellowship beginning with lunch at 11:00 a.m., followed by worship and reflection. During the service, the nominees will be invited to share reflections with those gathered. No election will take place at this gathering.

Please note that the previously planned livestream will no longer be offered.

The weekend schedule will be adjusted to reflect these changes, and additional information will be shared with participants during the gathering.

Additional guidance regarding the path forward in the election process will be shared directly with clergy and delegates.

Questions regarding the election process and next steps will be addressed by the Standing Committee through the weekend gathering and future communications. We ask for patience as additional information is shared in the appropriate setting.

We are grateful to the nominees for their continued commitment to this process and to all who have faithfully participated in this season of discernment. Both nominees remain in the process and continue to have the support and appreciation of the Diocese as we move forward together.

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland remains committed to the election of its first Bishop Diocesan and to seeking God’s guidance for the future of our Diocese.

Please continue to pray for the nominees, the Standing Committee, our clergy and delegates, and all the people of Navajoland.

In Christ,
The Standing Committee
Missionary Diocese of Navajoland

Update: Navajoland Bishop Search

Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
By Navajoland Communications Office
May 29, 2026

Yá’át’ééh,

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland is sharing the following letter from the Rev. Jack Chase, President Pro-tem of the Standing Committee, regarding the upcoming retirement of the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner as Provisional Bishop of Navajoland.

As ECN continues walking through this important season in the life of the Church, we give thanks for the leadership, care, and accompaniment Bishop Beisner and the Rev. Dr. Ann Hallisey have shared with the people of Navajoland.

Please continue to hold the Episcopal Church in Navajoland, Bishop Barry, Ann, and the Standing Committee in your prayers as ECN prepares for the Election Convention in June.

Dear People of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland,

At the May 7, 2026, meeting of the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland, the Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner submitted his resignation as Provisional Bishop.

With wisdom, patience, and faithful leadership, Bishop Beisner has guided ECN through the important and complex work of becoming a Missionary Diocese of The Episcopal Church. During his time with Navajoland, ECN developed its Mission Statement, Constitution and Canons, and continued preparing for the election of its first Bishop Diocesan.

With deep gratitude to Bishop Beisner and his wife, the Rev. Dr. Ann Hallisey, the Standing Committee accepted his resignation, effective June 21, 2026.

We give thanks for their ministry among the people of Navajoland and pray God’s blessings upon them in the next season of their journey.

With respect, gratitude, and deep affection,

The Rev. Jack Chase

President Pro-tem of the Standing Committee

The Episcopal Church in Navajoland

Additional information regarding this transition and what to expect in the coming weeks will be made available on the ECN website and shared through diocesan communications.

Update: Navajoland Bishop Search

Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
By Navajoland Communications Office
December 15, 2025

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We give thanks to God, Creator of all, for the unfolding journey before us.

In June 2025, the Executive Council approved our Constitution, the final step in our sacred journey to become a missionary diocese. This moment marked not an ending, but a beginning rooted in prayer, listening, and faithful courage. Today, we share an update as we continue forward on our bishop search journey.

Earlier this month, three bishop nominees visited Navajoland. They traveled among our congregations across the three regions, visiting, listening deeply, praying, and sharing meals with our Navajo people. This time together was holy work. It was relationship-building, story-sharing, and truth-telling within our communities and within the land itself.

The process we have undertaken is new for us, and it is also new for The Episcopal Church as a whole. As we walk this path, we are learning that it will take longer than we first imagined. We trust that the Holy Spirit works in God’s time. Creator knows our path, and places before us the learning processes needed for growth, wisdom, and grounding within Creation.

As our nominees walked with us within the four sacred mountains of the Navajo Nation, we recognized that our discernment among these three nominees must be extended by six months. This time is a gift, allowing us and our nominees to grow, learn, and strengthen our foundation through shared knowledge, lived stories, prayerful discernment, and truth spoken in love. We now expect to hold a bishop election in June 2026.

We ask you to continue walking with us. We are forging a path no one has walked before, faithfully stepping into a future shaped by the diverse leaders who walk with us today and by those who came before, each contributing to the journey and passing their wisdom to those who followed, by the Episcopal tradition we carry, and by the movement of the Holy Spirit. Your prayers, patience, and support sustain us as we continue this sacred work together.

May Creator continue to guide our steps.

Sincerely,
The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland

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

From the Office of Communications, The Episcopal Church in Navajoland

Final Update – July 11, 2025
Oak Ridge Fire Now 93% Contained

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

We write today with gratitude and good news. The Oak Ridge Fire, which has impacted our communities here in Navajoland over the past weeks, is now 93% contained. Fire crews continue to patrol the perimeter, especially along the western front, where minor smoldering remains are present. The fire’s footprint holds steady at 11,027 acres, and most major fire activity has been extinguished.

The weather remains hot and dry, with occasional winds, but conditions have improved significantly. A reduced Type 3 firefighting team, now comprising 30 personnel, continues to ensure the safety and stability of the area.

Current Status (as of July 11, 2025):
• Acreage Burned: 11,027 acres
• Containment: 93%
• Personnel: 30
• Fire Behavior: Minimal interior smoldering
• Weather: Hot, dry, some wind

All evacuation orders were lifted on July 8, and residents have safely returned to their homes. Support continues for livestock owners through the Navajo Nation Department of Agriculture.

To Our Episcopal Family

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all across the wider Episcopal Church who lifted us in prayer, reached out with words of support, and stood with us from afar. Your love has been a steady presence in a time of uncertainty and challenge.

Through your prayers, we have felt the communion of saints in action, stretching across the miles, carried in hope, rooted in Christ. Your care reminded us that we do not face fire alone.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving and Healing

O God of mercy,

We give thanks for the rain yet to fall,
For the soil that holds our roots,
And for the love that binds us together across time and land.

Thank you for every hand that held the line,
For every prayer spoken in silence or aloud,
And for every act of compassion that softened this time of fire.

As the smoke clears and healing begins,
Let your Spirit rise like morning light—
Calming hearts, renewing strength,
And restoring all creation with your peace.

Amen.

With deep love and enduring gratitude,
Office of Communications
The Episcopal Church in Navajoland