Bishop R. William Franklin, Assisting Bishop of Long Island and former Bishop of the Diocese of Western New York from 2011 to 2019, reflects on the historic election of Presiding Bishop-Elect Sean Rowe. Bishop Rowe, who succeeded Franklin in Western New York, was elected as the 28th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church on the first ballot.
Bishop Franklin also provides an update on his work as Chair of the Ecumenical & Interreligious Relations Committee at the 81st General Convention. On Monday, he led a delegation to the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Louisville, Kentucky. This visit marked the adoption of Resolution A042 by the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies on June 26th. The resolution acknowledges the Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing of Ministries, affirms the growing collaboration between the denominations, authorizes the continuation of bilateral dialogue, and encourages Episcopalians to deepen their relations with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
The complete text of Resolution A042 is:
Resolved, That this 81st General Convention receives with gratitude the revised “Episcopal-Presbyterian Agreement on Local Sharing of Ministries” which was prepared and distributed by the Episcopal Church-Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Dialogue; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention gladly affirms the growing number of local ministries between the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) that are enriching the Body of Christ; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention authorizes the continuing bi-lateral dialogue between the Episcopal Church and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention encourages and strongly supports prayerful consideration by all Episcopalians over this coming triennium as we work towards closer relations with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
Bishop Franklin expresses gratitude for the support and collaboration of his colleagues from the Diocese of Long Island, the deputation, and the staff, recognizing their collective efforts in serving the church during these pivotal days.