Date: October 21, 2024
Bishop Julia E. Whitworth was ordained and consecrated on Saturday as the new bishop of the Diocese of Massachusetts. Representing both Virginia Theological Seminary and The General Theological Seminary, I was present. Held in Trinity Church, Copley Square, it was a stunning occasion. The music, preaching, and enthusiasm were all good.
Alums of the two institutions that I represent were everywhere. As I gathered and waited for proceedings to start, I was struck afresh that ministry in the Church is especially difficult in this post-Covid, deeply polarized time. People are doing what they can; but it is hard to be hopeful.
Yet hopeful we are obligated to be. Christian hope is not optimism. It is a conviction grounded in the God we worship. We trust as we navigate. We pray for Bishop Whitworth. We pray that God will bless her ministry.
The Very Rev. Ian S. Markham, Ph.D.
Dean and President of Virginia Theological Seminary and the President of The General Theological Seminary