Press Releases

As a lifelong Episcopalian, I am filled with pride over the installation of Bishop Michael Curry, the first African-American leader of the U.S. Episcopal Church. His historic election comes at a challenging time in history for both the nation and the church. In response, Bishop Curry has valiantly pledged to take up "the serious work of racial reconciliation" in his new role and to strive for the "beloved community" envisioned by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At a time when all denominations are struggling to rebuild declining memberships, his focus on both evangelism and inclusion marks an exciting new chapter for our church. I am supremely confident that he is up to both tasks.

I recently had the honor of welcoming to my Capitol Hill office the Right Rev. Peter Eaton, who is the new bishop coadjutor of the Episcopal Diocese in Southeast Florida. He met with me and our own House of Representatives chaplain, my friend, the Rev. Patrick J. Conroy. Bishop Eaton comes to us from St. John's Cathedral in Denver, Colorado, and I look forward to helping him get to know our church community.

May God shine His light on both Bishop Curry and Bishop Eaton as they embrace their new vocations.