David Rider
Following word of the successful consent process, and accompanied by Bishop Alan Gates (right) and Diocese of Massachusetts deputies, Bishop-elect Julia Whitworth (second from right) was seated in the House of Bishops during its morning session on June 27 at General Convention in Louisville, Ky.
The Diocese of Massachusetts has received notification from the Presiding Bishop's Office and shares with joy today that the election of the Rev. Julia E. Whitworth to become the diocese's next bishop has received the required majority of consents from diocesan standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction in The Episcopal Church. Read the announcement here.
"We are delighted and gratified that the wider church has affirmed the election of the Rev. Julia Whitworth as our bishop-elect, and we look forward with joy and gratitude in this time of transition in our diocesan life together," the Rev. Dr. Karen Coleman, president of the Diocese of Massachusetts Standing Committee said.
Bishop-elect Julia Whitworth's ordination and consecration is to take place on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. at Trinity Church in Boston, with The Episcopal Church's presiding bishop, the Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, as chief consecrator. She will be seated as the 17th bishop diocesan of the Diocese of Massachusetts the following day, Sunday, Oct. 20 at 5 p.m. at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston.
A message from Bishop-elect Julia E. Whitworth
Beloved of God in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts,
It has been a joy to spend time with your bishops and elected deputies to General Convention this week as we do the shared work of leading our beloved church. As you know, we have received news that the necessary consents from both bishops and diocesan standing committees have now been received, and I am, officially, your bishop-elect. What a thrill.
I am aware that many of you have been praying for me, my family and my congregation during this tender and complex time. I am so grateful. I’m praying as well: that the Holy Spirit continue to guide us as we seek to do God’s will together, now and in the future. I also give thanks for all who are working to welcome me and my family in the weeks and months ahead: especially the Standing, Consecration and Transition Committees, Bishop Gates and Bishop Gallagher, and your tremendous diocesan staff … plus many, many more of you whom I do not yet know. I will see you very soon: God willing, my son Gregory and I will be moving your way in late August, with Ray, Grace and Liam visiting regularly and making the full move in 2025.
This is an incredible time to be the Church! God has a hope-filled call for us together which we are only beginning to glimpse, and I feel confident we have all we need to live into it abundantly. I can’t wait to get started with you.
Faithfully, with love,
Julia+
The Rev. Julia E. Whitworth
Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Massachusetts