Why do you feel called to be a bishop, and specifically Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, at this moment?
I feel a sense of calling to serve as a Bishop rooted in how my spiritual journey seems to be leading me in that direction, and in my deep desire to serve God and God’s people.
Since Bishop Taylor announced his retirement, I have been approached by clergy colleagues and lay leaders asking me if I would consider to be nominated. I told them that I was not sure and asked for their prayers. Over time, thanks to people’s prayers and my own, I have continued to open more to discern, along with the good people of Los Angeles, if this is the way in which God is calling me to serve. I have experienced this before when called to the priesthood: I resisted, until I realized I couldn’t say “no” to the God I want to serve.
I also consider that I have the experience, both as a pastor and as a manager, to lead a diocese in articulating a shared vision for the future, and in working along with its people toward its accomplishment. I have been blessed to be a pastor at a large Episcopal church, a vicar at a mission congregation, and a rector at a cardinal congregation. Before becoming a priest, I had progressively acquired managerial experience in both corporate and non-profit organizations, working with large and diverse teams, overseeing complex operations, and managing annual budgets in excess of $100m.
Becoming a priest touched a part of my body that I had not used much in previous calls: my heart. I have become more aware of my feelings, and a better listener to understand and support the needs of diverse individuals and communities. I have realized that it is only with God and through God that I can do what I am called to do.
I always thought that, if God called me to serve as a Bishop, it would have to be at a place that I knew and loved, and that place to me is Los Angeles. I moved to LA 20 years ago because I loved its weather, its diversity, and its culture. LA reminds me a lot of my home country.
It was in this diocese that I first experienced the Episcopal Church, and this has been the place where I have served for more than 15 years since then: at the Corporation of the Diocese, Diocesan Council, Program Group on Missions, LGBTQ Ministries, Latino-Hispanic Ministries, Budget Committee, Missionaries for Diocesan Assessments, and the Capital Campaign, among others. I have also represented the diocese at General Convention, and as member of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Search of the Presiding Bishop.
I am coming to this journey of discernment with an open heart and an open mind. I am bringing my heart, skills and abilities, ready to build upon the foundation set by previous bishops, aware of some of the challenges to be addressed, and willing to take on the opportunities that God has in store for us.