Letter from Bishop Hollingsworth - July 2010

July 30, 2010

I have just returned from a very productive trip to the Diocese of Tanga, Tanzania, with extensive meetings with Archbishop Mokiwa, the Standing Committee and the Finance Committee of the Diocese of Tanga, members of the diocesan staff and directors of diocesan institutions, and a variety of lay and clergy leaders. In this time following Bishop Baji's resignation (see my column in the recent ChurchLife!), there is much we can do to support their transition, principally through Brendan Knoblauch's continuing work in Korogwe. The people of the Diocese of Tanga appreciate greatly our ongoing companionship, and I commend them to your prayers during this important time of healing and new opportunity.

After some vacation time with my family, I will be on sabbatical until the beginning of November. The focus of my study will be two-fold. I will be further exploring the role of diocesan camps and retreat facilities in healthy dioceses, trying to understand better what has contributed to the few successes and widespread failures of these institutions in the last two decades. It is important that I understand these dynamics as best I can as we build upon the very good work of the Camp and Conference Task Force and make plans for these ministries in the Diocese of Ohio in the future.

As well, I will continue to explore issues and strategies for reconciliation and healing in the Anglican Communion. On the way home from Tanzania I spent five days in Rwanda where I was able to begin this work with a priest of the Anglican Church of Rwanda, building on the post-genocide reconciliation experiences of a ministry to survivors and perpetrators that he directs.

I have set up a process with the staff and the assisting bishops for handling re-marriage and liturgical permission requests, as well as any pastoral emergencies, and Eva Cole will know how to reach me at any time.

Please know that you continue in my prayers, always.

Gratefully,

The Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr.
Bishop of Ohio