Dear members and friends of St. Paul's,
Teacher. Writer. Mentor. Spiritual advisor. Social justice advocate. Friend. Rector.
For nine years, Wallace has led our church, and we are accustomed to his voice, his energy, his irreplaceable laughter. Wallace brought many gifts to St. Paul's and helped the parish accomplish many things, for which we are all profoundly grateful. We have been transformed by his ministry among us.
Wallace’s decision to resign was made prayerfully and after a period of discernment. The vestry accepted his resignation and then worked to ensure that during this transitional time he had the resources necessary to move forward. We respect the confidentiality of this matter, and we ask you to do the same. Much of the speculation and rumors circulating are untrue and unhelpful.
The fabric of St. Paul’s is our people – rich in opinions, textured by life experiences, and incredibly strong. These include the people decades ago who chose for St. Paul’s to remain a downtown church; these are the people who today choose to listen to where the spirit leads us, to use our talents and resources to address social justice issues. You are all part of our fabric. Some of you march. Some of you serve in the General Assembly. Some choose to mentor. Some prepare the altar. Some humbly wash laundry or feed the hungry. Some of you will bring fresh ideas and new projects. We are all St Paul’s.
When the time is right, we will work together to call a new rector. Whomever that is, it will be a priest who stands with us as we stand against injustice in all its forms. This is who we are.
We have often heard from the pulpit that we are called by Christ to love each other, particularly through challenging times. We are called to respect each other, particularly when we do not see eye to eye. We are called to care for each other, particularly when some are hurting. In this time of transition, which will generate different responses from different parts of our community, let us not run away from an uncomfortable place. Together, we can become more of the community we are called to be.
The vestry asks for your prayers both for the parish and for Wallace. As we move forward we pray that you will continue to be part of the conversation about what God has in store for St. Paul’s. Over the next three months, we will be scheduling time to come together as a parish to have these conversations.
The Rev. Dr. Mary Thorpe, who serves as the Director of Transition Ministries for the Diocese of Virginia, will join us on Homecoming Sunday, September 17. In addition to preaching the sermon that day, she will lead a discussion at 9 a.m. in the Norwood Room on what the steps in a transition may look like. She will also be available to answer questions that you may have. We hope that you can join us.
With warmest regards,
Joyce Smith, Senior Warden
Jane Nelson, Junior Warden
