Why do you feel called to be a bishop, and specifically Bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles, at this moment?
When I was discerning ordination to the priesthood, it was first and foremost a call to a life of service. At that point in my life I had experienced a number of things that taught me whatever plans or ideas or goals I had for my life, I was going to come up empty in all of them. It was only when I let go of those things that I found my call to ordained ministry. In this vocation I have experienced the grace of God in ways beyond what I could ever ask or imagine.
The call to the episcopate is similar. I have had many conversations with trusted colleagues, both lay and ordained, in our diocese and throughout the church, who have asked me to consider the episcopate as a next step in my vocation. As Bishop Taylor’s episcopate draws closer to an end, those voices have become louder and more persistent.
The ministry of bishop is one that is both terrifying and compelling to me. I enjoy the work I do in the Bishop’s Office and can see myself continuing the capacity of bishop diocesan. At the same time, the work of the bishop is much bigger than what I can imagine from my vantage point. This kind of call is not one to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly (quoting from the marriage rite in the Book of Common Prayer) and so I seek clarity in this process of discernment. In the ordination rite, the bishop presiding asks the bishop-elect, “Are you persuaded that God has called you to the office of bishop?” The bishop-elect responds, “I am so persuaded.” For me, the persuasion comes through discernment, conversation, relationship, and ultimately, through election. Until I am elected bishop, I am not persuaded of anything beyond the call to discern.
Regarding my call to serve as bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles, this is the diocese I love. I have had opportunities to serve elsewhere but I have felt deeply called to the people and geography of our diocese. There is so much I could say about this, and I hope I will have the opportunity to do so during this discernment process. For now, I want to note that my ministry has been marked by the impact of fires. Beginning in 2007 with the Camp Fire that destroyed much of Camp Stevens and the Tea Fire, which destroyed Mt. Calvary Monastery, fires within our diocesan boundaries have been part of my regular work. They have inspired fundraising efforts, educational programs, disaster resiliency training, and a diocesan commission. The Eaton and Palisades fires of 2025 have had a stunning impact on our diocesan community and the pastoral, administrative, and financial needs in this time of recovery are substantial. My heart is drawn into this time with our diocesan community. Whether as bishop or in another role, I cannot imagine not being part of this ongoing work.