Pastoral Update: COVID-19 (March 26, 2020)

26 March 2020

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Savior!

As I wrote last week, as People of God, it is our moral, civic, and spiritual obligation to care for one another by taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus while continuing to serve our communities with generosity and hope.  The Missioners and I had our Monthly Meeting via ZOOM on Monday.  They have been working remotely, with the exception of our Missioners for Finance.  We continue to seek ways to support and resource those entrusted to our care, EACH OF YOU, who are part of the faith communities of the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana.

Monday afternoon, I participated in the weekly ZOOM Conference Call with our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, along with staff persons from Episcopal Relief and Development and the Church Pension Group.  This 30-minute call provided all of us with information that I have been able to share with our clergy and lay leaders.

On Tuesday, the Clergy of our diocese and I initiated our Weekly ZOOM Conference Call.  After checking in, we shared what was working as well as what needed our attention.  Based on the news release from our Presiding Bishop last week and the recent actions taken by the Governor of Indiana, we discussed suspending in Person Public Worship until further notice.  We then engaged in conversation about to provide VIRTUAL WORSHIP for Holy Week and Easter Day.  A Planning Group was convened to begin engaging in this important work on behalf of all of us.  More on that later.  We shared some of our learnings and challenges in communication as well as concerns regarding ongoing financial support for our faith communities.  I encouraged us to reflect on the question “how are each of us attending to self-care?”  It is important during these stressful times to be gentle with one another, attend to regular patterns as best you can and maintain a rhythm of prayer and reflection.  Lastly, I want to thank Canon Michelle Walker who has agreed to serve as our point person with questions regarding asking for a two-month waiver in paying Clergy Pension assessments.  And, I’m grateful to Canon Terri Bays who has agreed to be serve as our point person with issues on concerns that may be directed to Episcopal Relief and Development e.g. FEMA assistance with food pantries or feeding programs in our diocese.

On Wednesday morning, I was part of our Weekly ZOOM Conference Call with the Bishops of Province V to check in with one another as well as share resources and concerns.

On Wednesday afternoon, we had our Weekly ZOOM Conference Call with our Clergy and Lay Leaders.  Items on the agenda included an opportunity for folks to check in, to share what’s working as well as what needs our attention. There were 36 participants on the call.

We engaged in a conversation which led to a consensus that in Person Public Worship should be suspended until further notice, especially given the actions taken by our Governor this week. 

We then reviewed a plan for Digital Worship for Holy Week and Easter that can be found here.

The next item on our agenda was to get an update on the financial realities that we are or may soon be facing.  As I said last week in my pastoral update, I encouraged every faith community to make it their first priority to pay their clergy and lay staff, secondly, their utilities bills and insurance and thirdly, their diocesan assessment.  We will continue to review our financial realities on a weekly basis.

At the end of our call, I invited our clergy and lay leaders to be attentive to self-care which includes our physical, emotional and spiritual lives.  Our next Weekly ZOOM Conference Call with Clergy and Lay Leaders is scheduled for next Wednesday, 1 April at 2 p.m. EDT / 1 p.m. CDT.

Remember, we are called to be People of Hope during these worrisome and anxious days!

I want to conclude with a Collect from Week 4 of Signs of Life:  Why Church Matters focused on SHELTER.  Let us pray…Beloved God, who, in your mercy, shelters us with your tender embrace; grant that we may know you as our one true refuge from the world of suffering, and help us to offer compassionate sanctuary to our neighbors in need; even as you dwell within and among us, one holy and undivided Trinity, forever and ever.  Amen.

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Pastoral Update: COVID-19

19 March 2020

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Savior!

I want to assure you of my prayer and support as we continue working together to address the ongoing challenges and concerns due to the COVID 19 Pandemic.  As I wrote last week, as People of God, it is our moral, civic, and spiritual obligation to care for one another by taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus while continuing to serve our communities with generosity and hope.  To that end, the Missioners and I have been in many conversations on a daily basis, as we seek to support and resource those entrusted to our care, EACH OF YOU, who are part of the faith communities of the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana.

On Wednesday, 18 March, we began a Weekly ZOOM Conference Call with our Clergy and Lay Leaders.  Items on the agenda included an opportunity for folks to check in, to share what’s working as well as what needs our attention. There were 44 participants on this initial call.

facebook.com/EDNINVirtualWorship

A significant amount of our time was spent discussing Online or Virtual Worship.  Canon Michelle and Canon Christopher prepared an Online Worship Survey that we reviewed.  With the help of our deans, Mother Mindy Hancock, Father Matthew Cowden and Father David Pearson and Canon Michelle and Canon Christopher, we are moving forward with four opportunities for ONLINE Daily Prayer: Morning Prayer, Noon Day Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline, led by various clergy and lay persons throughout our diocese.  You can join Online Daily Prayer by visiting our new Facebook page at EDNIN Virtual Worship.

We also discussed various Social Media Platforms and encouraged our Clergy and Lay Leaders to use them and to consider signing up for free conference call or to purchase an account on ZOOM.

The next item on our agenda was to discuss the financial realities that we are or may soon be facing.  Some participants shared that they had already sent out an email communication encouraging people to continue paying their pledge and offered various ways to do so.  Those options can be found on here.  (Givelify and Tithe.ly)  Others shared concerns about prioritizing what to pay and asked if the Diocese had any resources to support those faith communities who may be facing financial challenges.  I said that I would have a conversation with the Finance Committee and the Directors of the Diocesan Foundation.  I encouraged every faith community to make it their first priority to pay their clergy and lay staff, secondly, their utilities bills and insurance and thirdly, their diocesan assessment.  We will revisit the financial issues on a regular basis.

Our call concluded with an invitation to please share what was discussed with others who are part of the leadership of your faith community.  Our next Weekly ZOOM Conference Call with Clergy and Lay Leaders is scheduled for next Wednesday, 25 March at 2 p.m. EDT / 1 p.m. CDT.

Earlier on Wednesday, I was part of a ZOOM Conference Call with the Bishops of Province V to check in with one another as well as share resources and concerns.  Presiding Bishop Michael Curry joined us on the call.  He assured us of his support and prayer and thanked us for our leadership as bishops.  We also had a brief discussion about his news release, sent out on Tuesday, concerning “the need to suspend in-person gatherings for public worship, in most contexts, during the sacred time of Holy Week and Easter Day.” The Presiding Bishop’s statement indicates that our consensus last week to suspend in person public worship until the end of March will need to be reconsidered and most likely means “until further notice.”

It is important to underscore here that our faith communities in Northern Indiana haven’t closed.  We are being called to reimagine new ways to be the church, in worship, in education and formation, in pastoral care and in outreach.  I encourage you to have conversations with one another, identifying and affirming creative ways, given our present circumstances, to live into the Five Marks of Mission:  Tell, Teach, Tend, Transform and Treasure!

I have invited the Clergy of our diocese into a conversation via ZOOM next Tuesday, 24 March, to discuss the need to suspend in person public worship during Holy Week and Easter Day and how we might creatively and imaginatively engage in online worship throughout our diocese.  I also hope to encourage conversation about how our clergy are continuing their good work of pastoral care during these challenging times.

Remember, we are called to be People of Hope during these worrisome and anxious days!

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine:  Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen!”  Ephesians 3:20,21

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Pastoral Letter: COVID-19

13 March 2020

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Savior!

As I am sure you are aware, the guidance from public health authorities about how to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus, is changing by the hour. There are many unknowns about this public health crisis, but this much is clear -- social distancing is an essential part of our collective response.  As People of God, it is our moral, civic, and spiritual obligation to care for one another by taking the necessary steps to slow the spread of this virus while continuing to serve our communities with generosity, hope, and joy.

Throughout the week, I have received council and advice from our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry and my Bishop Colleagues in Michigan, Chicago and Indianapolis, Episcopal Relief and Development and the Office of Government Relations of the Episcopal Church.  I also consulted with Clergy and Lay Leaders of our Faith Communities via a ZOOM Conference Call earlier today.  During our conference call, we arrived at a consensus that all in person public worship will be suspended until the end of March.  This includes Mid-Week Services, Bible Study and Vestry Meetings for example. We will revisit this decision and may need to extend this suspension for a longer time.

This hiatus, which a colleague of mine called a Lenten fast from public worship, offers an opportunity for us to explore alternative expressions of worship. Beginning this Sunday, 15 March, I will offer online worship via a link.  For those unable to connect online, I encourage you to pray using the Book of Common Prayer, especially the Services of Morning Prayer, Noon Day Prayer, Evening Prayer and Compline.  As part of your prayers, please remember those who are ill with the virus…for their healing and recovery; for all health care professionals and for those who have died from the virus and those who mourn their deaths.

Out of an abundance of caution, I encourage you to not gather in person but look for ways to gather on the phone or online.  Our clergy will certainly be following up with their wardens and vestry members to ensure that those who live alone or are in particularly challenging circumstances are cared for and remain connected to their faith community.  Our clergy will also continue in their good work of pastoral care via phone and email.

Many of our faith communities make their buildings available to groups in the wider community.  Until further notice, those space sharing partners should suspend their meetings.

While the Missioners and I will continue working, I am encouraging them to work remotely as much as possible.  Please know that you can reach them or me via email or by phone.

In the midst of these days, there will need to be Pastoral Accommodations made for various circumstances.  For example, the Visitation and Requiem Eucharist for Sylvia Little is this coming Monday, 16 March at the Cathedral of St. James.  People are coming from long distances for the service and to support and comfort Bishop Ed and his family.  However, if you are part of the vulnerable population at greater risk of infection, I urge you to watch the service via livestream.  We also hope to have a Gathering at a later date to give thanks for Sylvia’s life and ministry.

In conclusion, I want to assure you of my prayer and support during these challenging and anxious times.  We are called to be People of Hope even in the midst of worry and confusion!  I am committed to remaining in touch with you on a regular basis.

“Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine:  Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen!”  Ephesians 3:20,21

This comes with a brother’s love,

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

*We have added a page on our website for COVID-19 updates from the Diocese. Resources will be added throughout the evening and weekend. Please visit this page for the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 from the Episcopal Church.

A Message from Bishop Doug Regarding Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19)

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

As you know, we are receiving daily updates from federal health officials regarding the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019, also known as COVID-19.  I am writing to provide you with information and sensible practices, in hopes of limiting the spread of this virus. 

During this time, the following adaptations in our worship should be implemented.  These adaptations are based on advice from a variety of sources from Episcopal Relief and Development, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, the Indiana State Department of Health, and Mayo Clinic.

Episcopal Relief & Development is updating this webpage with comprehensive resources about the virus, its cause and simple measures for its prevention.  Among the most important:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, including after coughing, sneezing, handling diapers, preparing food or using the bathroom.

• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

• Stay home when you feel sick.

So that we can play our part in limiting the spread of an outbreak if it occurs in our region, I suggest that our faith communities consider the following temporary amendments to our liturgical and community practices:

• Clergy and Eucharistic ministers can use hand sanitizer visibly when celebrating the Eucharist or distributing the elements and have it available for worshippers to use.

• Ask worshippers to avoid intinction (the dipping of the host or bread into the chalice).

• Use metal chalices rather than ceramic.

• Remember that the Eucharist is complete when only one element (in this case, the bread) is received.

• Replace hugs and handshakes at the peace with waves, elbow bumps, bows, or peace signs.

• Pray for those who are ill and encourage them to stay home.

• Remind coffee hour and feeding program volunteers to wash their hands and handle food with utensils or food safety gloves.

The Missioners and I are monitoring this on a daily basis.  If the Indiana State Department of Health reports confirmed cases of the virus in Indiana, we will communicate quickly to clergy and lay leaders with any additional recommendations they may suggest.

Our role as Christians, and particularly for those of us called to leadership in the church, is to help alleviate fear and anxiety with accurate information and support.  I want to thank Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows for the bulk of this text and her permission to share it with you.  I also want to thank you for your good work in attending to these suggestions and to commend to your prayer all those directly addressing the consequences of this virus.

Blessings these Lenten days,

The Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

An Update from Bishop Doug - September 2019

Bishop Doug updates the diocese on the recent House of Bishops' meeting, Bishop-elect Susan Haynes, and his upcoming trip to Washington D.C.

House of Bishops Fall 2019 Meeting Resources

• Overview of the Meeting - House of Bishops' fall meeting grapples with range of issues, from reconciliation to innovation

• Presiding Bishop's sermon at opening Eucharist

• Lambeth Conference 2020

  • Press Release - Episcopal House of Bishops September 2019: A Message of Love and Solidarity from the Bishops and Spouses to the Episcopal Church

  • News Article - Bishops step up preparations for Lambeth Conference amid anxiety over spousal invitations

• Senior Pastor Adam Hamilton

  • Leading Beyond the Walls

  • Church of the Resurrection

Resources for Additional Updates

• Bishop-elect Susan B. Haynes

  • Congratulations from Bishop Doug

  • Press Release from Episcopal News Service

  • Coverage from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia

• The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations

A Letter From Bishop Doug

The Reverend Susan Haynes

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Light for all people!

Earlier today, the Diocese of Southern Virginia announced their candidates for bishop and the Rev. Susan Haynes, a priest of our diocese who serves as Rector of St. Paul’s in Mishawaka, is one of their candidates.  Please join me in praying for Susan and Tom and their children, Sarah and Avery as the public part of this process now begins.  The next step is the walkabout which will occur in September. The Electing Convention is scheduled for 21 September 2019.

As many of you know, the Rev. Thomas Haynes serves as Rector of St. Thomas / Santo Tomás in Plymouth. So, I invite you to pray for our siblings at St. Paul’s and St. Thomas’ as well.  The bond between a clergy person and those they are called to serve is deep. While it is a time to rejoice and give thanks for this potential opportunity for Mother Susan to be called to serve the wider church in episcopal ministry, this process profoundly affects the life of the faith communities of St. Paul’s and St. Thomas / Santo Tomás.

So, let us pray for all those involved in this process of discernment and election.

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine:  Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen!

Pentecost Blessings,

Doug

You can read the official release from the Episcopal Diocese of Southern Virginia here.
You can read Mtr. Susan's announcement here.

Congratulations, Bishop Doug, on 35 Years of Priestly Ministry!

The Right Reverend Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana

Congratulations, Bishop Doug, on the 35th anniversary of your ordination to the priesthood! The Diocese of Northern Indiana wishes to congratulate you, thank you, and offer prayers for you as you celebrate this milestone on Sunday, June 2, 2019.

Dana Sparks, spouse of Bishop Doug, has this to say about the past 35 years.

From ministering in St. Louis soup kitchens, to serving in a community with a thousand parishioners, and then driving the mountain circuit between five congregations in Colorado — from ministry on the North Shore of Chicago, to a small-town Wisconsin parish, and a larger program sized parish outside Milwaukee — then trekking halfway around the world to be dean of the national cathedral in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand — Doug’s faith and passion have been constant. Coming back to ministry in the U.S. brought us to a loving parish in Minnesota and now a loving diocese in Northern Indiana. 

Throughout the journey, Doug’s inclusive spirit, forgiving heart, and truth-telling witness have always brought a fruitful ministry. He’s so grateful to be your bishop, but also to be a servant with you in ministry … in this Beloved Community. Thank you for your prayers.

Please continue to keep Bishop Doug, Dana, and their family in your prayers. And we look forward to many more years of ministry with Bishop Doug as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana!

Special thanks to Dana for providing the images for the photo gallery below.

An Easter Message

An Easter message from Bishop Doug Sparks.

Praying for Pete and Chasten Buttigieg

Pete and Chasten’s wedding on June 16, 2018
L-R: Bishop Doug, Chasten, Pete, Fr. Brian Grantz

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Saviour!

Earlier today one of our Episcopal brothers, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, who is an active member of the Cathedral of St. James, announced his candidacy for president of the United States.

This is a unique moment and opportunity for us in the diocese to uphold Pete and his husband Chasten in prayer, as this very public journey unfolds.

"Holy Creator, you call us to live within a world that is constantly changing. Give us courage to face these dynamic challenges. Give us the skills to accomplish the tasks at hand. Remind us that in whatever work we do, we are called to be your servants."*

"God who calls us into life, we give thanks for Pete and Chasten. May they use the gifts with which you have empowered them in a meaningful way. May they meet challenges with grace and find joy in the road ahead." *

* both prayers from Celebrating at Home by Payden and Loving, copyright United Church Press, 1998

Every blessing,

Doug

Interfaith Moment of Action

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, our Crucified and Risen Saviour!

I had the opportunity to participate in an “Interfaith Moment of Action” this morning, 21 March, at the Indiana Statehouse along with ten other faith and civic leaders encouraging our legislators to act responsibly and effectively in address the pending Hate Crime Legislation.

Regrettably, Indiana is one of five states that has failed to pass legislation that protect, by name, the most vulnerable of our citizens…who have been injured and killed in Indiana because of their race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation and gender identity. This is especially important, given the killing of 50 Muslim persons in Christchurch…in Aotearoa New Zealand last Friday.

I was humbled to be a witness with so many others, including Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows of the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis.  I encourage you to call your representatives and senators to take action on this important legislation for our state.

Blessings during the Lenten days…

Doug

Howe Military Academy Update

March 19, 2019

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings in the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One!

Yesterday afternoon Howe Military Academy shared the sad news that they will close at the end of this academic year.  While the diocese is no longer officially associated with the school, our history with them runs deep.  This will be a difficult time for many. 

Please offer prayers for the cadets, families, faculty, staff, alumni and people of St. Mark's Episcopal Church during this difficult time.  

Here is a link to their website with the official announcement. 

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks 

Serving as Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

House of Bishops Video Reflection and Prayers for New Zealand

March 16, 2019

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings in the Episcopal Church in Northern Indiana,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, the Crucified and Risen One!

I just arrived home from the March House of Bishops Meeting and wanted to send a video message to all of you as soon as I could.  Please uphold in your prayer our sisters, brothers...in Maori...our whanau...in Aotearoa New Zealand...in the city of Christchurch after the horrific act of violence, killing 49 of our Muslim sisters and brothers and all those whose lives are forever changed because of their deaths.

We spent the week focused on THE WAY OF LOVE...exploring ways to be more intentional as bishops in living into the way of love.

We also endorsed a statement regarding the upcoming Lambeth Conference.  The link to our Statement and the Bishops' Spouses statement can be found here.  https://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/episcopal-house-bishops-march-2019-bishops-mind-house-resolution-lambeth-and 

In conclusion, know that you are loved...that you are God's beloved.  I greet you with a Maori word for love...much AROHANUI!

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks 
Serving as Bishop
The Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Bishop Doug signs opinion piece in Indianapolis Star pushing for a state hate crime law

Hoosiers deserve 'specific and clear' hate crime law

On Feb. 16, a Muslim man, by the name of Mustafo Ayoubi, was shot and killed in Indianapolis after being the victim of road rage and the recipient of anti-Muslim slurs.  The sister of Ayoubi made it known that she desired for a hate crime investigation to take place. But the state of Indiana is one of five states that does not have a hate crime law. As Indiana faith leaders we are saddened by this event and hold Ayoubi’s family in our prayers. We also add our collective voice to call for hate crime legislation to be enacted.

Our faith traditions share the belief that all persons are created in the image of God and are created with inherent dignity and worth. This understanding makes it all the more imperative that hate crimes legislation be enacted that is thorough, just, and reflective of the diverse humanity that makes up our communities. 

We strongly urge our elected officials to pass legislation that will define what constitutes a bias-motivated crime and include specific classes that are protected by the law. Crafting legislation that offers specific language to address crimes related to race, gender, and sexual orientation is crucial to all feeling safe and at peace. We especially urge our elected officials to ensure that the statute they pass protects people on the basis of gender identity, since transgender people in our communities are among the most vulnerable of God’s beloved children. All Hoosiers deserve the safety and protection of a hate crime law that is specific and clear.

We are grateful for our elected officials and hold them in prayer as they craft this needed law. May such legislation underscore the dignity of all whom God has created and reflect our proud history of Hoosier hospitality.

Rev. Chad R. Abbott, Conference Minister

Indiana-Kentucky Conference, United Church of Christ

The Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, Bishop

Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis 

Rev. Sara Dingman, Synod Executive

Synod of Lincoln Trails, President Church (USA)

Rev. Dr. William O. Gafkjen, Bishop

Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas Sparks, Bishop

Episcopal Diocese of Northern Indiana

Rev. Richard L. Spleth, Regional Minister

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana

Rev. Richard L. Spleth, Regional Minister

Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indiana

Rev. Taylor Alan Thames, Executive Presbyter

Whitewater Valley Presbytery, Presbyterian Church (USA)

Most Reverend Charles C. Thompson, Archbishop

Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis

The Rev. Dr. Julius C. Trimble, Bishop

Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church

Originally posted in the Indianapolis Star Letters to the Editor on March 3, 2019.

A Letter from Bishop Doug Regarding Episcopal election in Northern California

9 February 2019

Dear Sisters, Brothers, Siblings,

Grace and peace be with you in Jesus, God's Word made flesh!

The Rev. Matthew Cowden
Rector, St. Michael and All Angels
Episcopal Church (South Bend)

As many of you know, one of our own, the Rev. Matthew Cowden, was a nominee for Episcopal election in the Diocese of Northern California.  The election took place today and Fr. Matthew was not elected.  I have first hand experience of not being elected and received great support and encouragement from the people of the faith community I was serving in Rochester, Minnesota.

I want to thank Fr. Matthew and Melissa along with their children, Meghan, Nicholas and Joshua, for opening up their lives to the possibility of serving the wider church in Episcopal Ministry. I am also confident that they will be surrounded with prayer and affection by our sisters, brothers, siblings of St. Michael and All Angels in South Bend.

May they continue together, engaging God's mission!

Glory to God whose power, working in us, can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine: Glory to God from generation to generation in the Church, and in Christ Jesus for ever and ever. Amen!

Epiphany blessings,

Doug

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks
VIII Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana

Bishop Doug's Interviews Bishop from Canada

Bishop Doug's conversation with Diocesan Bishop Susan Bell from the Diocese of Niagara in Anglican Church in Canada.

Bishop Doug's Conversation with Bishop Moses from South Sudan

Bishop Doug interviews Bishop Moses Sette Zungo Wawa from the Diocese of Maridi in the Episcopal Church of South Sudan.

Bishop Doug Interviews First Female Bishop in South America

Here is Bishop Doug’s conversation with Bishop Marinez Santos Bassotto while at the Bishop’s Course in Canterbury. Bishop Bassotto is from the Diocese of Amazonia in Brazil and the first female bishop in South America.

Bishop Doug Interviews a Bishop from New Zealand

Bishop Doug’s conversation with Bishop Steve Benford from Dunedin, New Zealand.

Bishop Doug and Bishop John Roundhill from Australia

Bishop Doug’s conversation with Bishop John Roundhill from Australia while attending the Bishops Course in Canterbury.

A Christmas greeting from Bishop Doug

A Christmas greeting from the Rt. Rev. Dr. Douglas E. Sparks, Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Northern Indiana.