House of Bishops gathers in the Dominican Republic for fall meeting

[Episcopal News Service — Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic] Episcopal bishops and their spouses are gathered here at the Coral Costa Caribe Beach Resort for their fall gathering, presenting an opportunity for the Santo Domingo-based Diocese of the Dominican Republic to shine in the spotlight.

Showcasing the Province IX diocese, which includes 5,000 members and 67 missions, and Dominican culture to his colleagues and their spouses is a “special occasion,” Dominican Republic Bishop Moisés Quezada Mota told Episcopal News Service on Sept. 10, the first day of the gathering. He said Dominican Episcopalians are excited for their diocese to host the House of Bishops’ fall gathering and have been “praying for the bishops every day.”

“We feel honored to have the bishops and their spouses here,” Quezada Mota said. “This week, the bishops are going to see Dominican culture and see the people worship with joy.”

This Sept. 10-15 meeting is one of two annual in-person House of Bishops gatherings. The fall meetings occur during non-General Convention years and, as is the case this year, usually include bishops’ spouses. 

The gathering of 82 bishops and 38 spouses opened with a Eucharist. Texas Assistant Bishop Hector Monterroso celebrated, and West Texas Bishop Suffragan Angela Maria Cortiñas, the second Latina elected as bishop in The Episcopal Church, preached. Following the Eucharist, Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe greeted the bishops and their spouses.

Later in the afternoon, Rowe gave a report updating bishops on structural changes in The Episcopal Church and the challenges many church leaders say they are facing today, including the polarized political environment; humanitarian crises and conflicts worldwide; the church’s decline in membership and the troubles facing the U.S. economy and fewer congregational pledges; and difficulty in managing canonical processes, maintaining generative relationships and handling conflict.

“We try to stay focused on those things that only can be done, or can be done best, at the churchwide level,” Rowe said. “Our objective is always to ensure that The Episcopal Church can make a strong, sound and effective witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ by supporting ministry on the ground.”

Initiatives to address these issues included resisting growing authoritarianism in the United States through legal avenues and “strategic engagement in public discourse.” Rowe also spoke of building capacity for ministry through collaboration with partners, such as the Episcopal Parish Network and the Episcopal Church Building Fund and others. Other initiatives included developing long-term financial strategies; reforming the church’s governance and structures at churchwide and diocesan levels; investing in initiatives that support “innovation” through church planting and other ministry models; building a welcoming Episcopal Church website; efforts to develop church leaders; realigning the church’s work in global partnerships; and investing in deescalating conflicts before they become Title IV disciplinary matters.

On Sept. 11, the bishops and their spouses will split into groups to visit four local diocesan ministry sites, including two schools, a medical center and the Cathedral of the Epiphany in Santo Domingo, the capital. Later this week, they will meet for theological reflections and discussions, and listen to various presentations, including one by Chris Lacovara, The Episcopal Church’s chief financial officer, on the stewardship of church properties.

On Sept. 13, a special beachfront Eucharist will take place at a nearby beach resort. Quezada Mota will celebrate and Rowe will preach. Episcopalians from throughout the Dominican Republic will also be in attendance.

“It’s going to be a great party, Quezada Mota said. “It will be a great event for everyone.”

Quezada Mota said he prays that his fellow bishops and their spouses will see that “our church is a dynamic church with many different ministries and theological programs.”

“My prayers are that the Holy Spirit continues guiding The Episcopal Church in the Dominican Republic and to continue renewing the church more and more so it can follow its mission – the mission that Jesus Christ reaches more and more people,” Quezada Mota said. “I hope the bishops encountering our country gives my diocese energy and joy so it can continue doing its good work. I am hopeful.”

-Shireen Korkzan is a reporter and assistant editor for Episcopal News Service. She can be reached at skorkzan@episcopalchurch.org.