June 23—Bishop Curry’s Consecration Greetings

June 23, 2023

Eve of Nativity of John the Baptist

Dear Friends in Christ,

It was a great joy to be with you, as you gave thanks for the ministry of Bishop Chip Stokes. At that time, I fully expected to be with you for the ordination and consecration of the Rev. Dr. Sally French to serve as the 13^th Bishop of New Jersey. Little did I know then that for reasons of health I would be unable to be present with you on this joyful occasion. But I am deeply thankful that Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves, the Vice President of the House of Bishops and the Managing Director of the College for Bishops, will be with you as Chief Consecrator.

Prior to her ordination your Bishop elect will be given a plaque with the words of the late Arthur Michael Ramsey, 100^th Archbishop of Canterbury. He wrote these words in the midst of the struggles of the 1960s, but they speak words of hard-wrought hope for us living in “such a time as this,” as the book of Esther says.

“Bishops help us to see that faith means standing near the Cross in the heart of the contemporary world, and not only standing but acting. Our faith will be tested in our actions, not least in our actions concerning peace, concerning race, concerning poverty. Faith is a costly conviction as our God is blazing fire. In Christ Jesus crucified and risen, in suffering and victorious love, there is a plan, a center, a purpose” …. nothing less than the very dream of God.

May the blessings of our crucified and risen Lord, which is the blessing of unselfish, sacrificial, victorious love lead you and guide you as you follow Jesus of Nazareth in God’s way of love.

May the Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you, the Lord lift up the light of his countenance upon you, and give you peace. The blessing of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit be on you and remain with you, the entire human family, and all of God’s creation forever.

Your brother in Christ

Michael B. Curry
Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church