OPEN LETTER TO THE DIOCESE OF OREGON

March 25, 2008

Dear Diocesan Leaders,

Monday I received a letter from Bishop Itty stating, “I am writing to inform you that I am hereby transferring Ecclesiastical Authority of the Diocese of Oregon to the Standing Committee, effective midnight March 23, 2008.” We feel the seriousness of this responsibility and our pledge to you is that we will maintain open communication and prayerfully consider each decision. We are blessed to have Paul Dakopolos as our Chancellor who will walk this journey with us.

Today I attended Morning Prayer and then gathered staff for a discussion about the day-to-day business of our diocese. Margaret McMurren+, Vice President of the Board of Trustees joined us. The staff is truly faithful and dedicated to our diocese, and all of us appreciate their open willingness to work with us.

To move forward smoothly Standing Committee will work closely with you. We know that working together is in the best interest of our diocese.

Standing Committee is negotiating an agreement for an Assisting Bishop. We will complete this work as soon as possible. When it is completed, we will inform everyone via email. We also have other positions, due to the recent retirements and a voluntary resignation, to fill on an interim basis and will be making those announcements soon.

Please feel free to contact any one of the Standing Committee if you have questions, concerns or information you would like to share with us. Each of you is an important part of the equation as we move forward.

In Christ’s love,

Mary

Mary M. Cramer, President
Standing Committee
Diocese of Oregon