On Postponing East Carolina's Episcopal Revival Open House, Open Hearts

To the Faithful People of the Diocese of East Carolina

September 21, 2023

Dear friends,

It is with profound disappointment that I write to share with you the decision that has been made to postpone our October 21^st revival with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. After consultation with the Deans of the Diocese, with Revival Team Leaders, and with members of the Executive Council, it seemed clear that we had not been able to generate sufficient enthusiasm or support for this event. Many challenges have been identified which our Revival Coordinating Team thought we could overcome, but which others have identified as insurmountable obstacles. In making plans for events to happen in the future, we will need to think differently about challenges like travel distances and the length of a program.

Uncertainty about our Presiding Bishop’s health was another factor that prevented some people from planning to attend. Bishop Curry’s surgery took place yesterday, and our latest update reported that he would be in the ICU for the first stages of his recovery. Please keep our Presiding Bishop in your prayers, along with his wife Sharon and their family, his staff, and his medical team.

As a Diocese, we are indebted to the growing team of individuals who have given so much of their time and talent to our planned revival. Let me say a sincere thank you to the members of our Coordinating Team, to our Team Leaders and all who served with them, to the members of our Diocesan House staff, and to every individual who has volunteered to be involved one way or another. I do not believe that our efforts will be wasted. Rather, they will contribute to the success of our next attempt to come together in celebration of God’s good news for us and for all people.

Although this event will not be happening as so many of us had hoped, I truly believe that God’s Holy Spirit has been at work amongst our people. Creative collaborations have taken place that brought together individuals who had not previously worked together. God’s Holy Spirit has expanded our imagination of what might be possible. Please join me in praying that God will reveal to us the paths that we are to take as we move forward in faith.

As always, it is a privilege to share with you in the life and leadership of this diocese!

Yours in Christ,