The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey has elected the Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French to serve as the thirteenth bishop of the diocese. She will be consecrated and installed as the bishop of New Jersey on June 24, succeeding Bishop William H. “Chip” Stokes, who is retiring.

French currently serves as Canon for Regional Ministry and Collaborative Innovation in the Diocese of North Carolina. Prior to joining diocesan staff, she spent twenty years in parish ministry, serving congregations of many sizes and types. Raised in Toronto, Canada, French earned a bachelors degree from Trinity College, University of Toronto (Economics, History), a Master of Divinity through the Toronto School of Theology, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Virginia Theological Seminary. She was ordained a priest in 2001. She and her husband Clarke have two children living at home.

In brief remarks delivered via Zoom after the election results were announced, French thanked the voters, the Transition Committee, and her fellow candidates. Concerning her forthcoming position as bishop of New Jersey she said, “I look forward to serving with love.”

The bishop-elect was chosen from a slate of five nominees by clergy and lay leaders representing each congregation of the diocese during a special hybrid convention held on Jan. 28 at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton and online via Zoom. She was elected on the third round of balloting with 68 percent of the clergy votes and 56 percent of lay votes. A majority of both clergy and lay votes in the same round was needed for election.

“I believe the Holy Spirit has led us to a remarkable leader who is deeply grounded in the faith and love of Jesus Christ,” Stokes said. “Canon French brings gifts and skills in ministry that are well aligned to address the needs and challenges facing the Church and the Diocese of New Jersey at this moment in its life and history. I look forward to welcoming her and her family to the Diocese of New Jersey and serving with her in this exciting time of transition.”

The other nominees were The Rev. Canon Dr. Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew, Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Rhode Island; The Very Rev. Troy Mendez, Dean, Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, Phoenix, Arizona; The Rev. Janine Schenone, Rector, Good Samaritan Episcopal Church, San Diego, California; and The Rev. Dr. Mauricio Jose Wilson, Rector, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Oakland, California.

Please enjoy this short Q&A with our incoming Rector, Father Andrew Reinholz. Hear from Father Andrew for the first time around these topics and more:

How was he called to the priesthood?

How did he find us here in Pitman? What’s his favorite church season?

What can we do to help the transition for him, Mother Kim, and the children?

This introductory conversation was hosted by Jeff Bathurst, who served as Chair of the Discernment Committee. Look for other opportunities to ask Father Andrew questions in the coming weeks, and make sure to join us for services on March 20th to welcome him for his first Sunday at Good Shepherd!

In follow-up to multiple requests and as endorsed by Vestry, I have scheduled a Zoom “Virtual Coffee Hour” to immediately follow this Sunday’s 10am service.   

Please see your Flocknote email for meeting details as they will not be made available publicly.

This is an appropriate time to roll it out, as the increasing infection rate may discourage parishioners from attending in person and instead utilizing the YouTube live stream.   

I will host the Zoom – if you are willing to host in the future, please let me know!   

Many thanks, and wishing you each a safe, healthy and blessed New Year. Beth