August 8, 2022

I write to you from Canterbury, England, where the Lambeth Conference has just concluded. In the last two weeks, I have met bishops from across the world, many who have prayed for the Diocese of Chicago and me over the last two years. I enjoyed a personal conversation with Archbishop Justin Welby, and learned a great deal from the members of my Bible Study group and other bishops serving God with courage and conviction across the globe. The Anglican Communion is indeed "God’s Church for God’s World." You can see my photo album from the conference on Facebook.

It has been life-changing to connect with bishops from across the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Wherever I go, whether it be Lambeth, General Convention, or other smaller gatherings, I am so proud to represent the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Chicago. Our good work is known and appreciated by so many people. As I prepared for my consecration as your bishop on September 17, I am filled with gratitude for being called to do ministry with you.

In June, I sent a letter inviting you to support our shared ministry by making a generous gift to the Bishop's Appeal. As my ordination and consecration on September 17 approaches, I am even more excited to discover where the Holy Spirit will lead us, and I am grateful for your support of the Bishop's Appeal as we follow that call.

The Rev. Paula E. Clark

Bishop-elect