A Letter From the Standing Committee, December 2019

See a copy of the Standing Committee's letter of December 20, 2019 here. The text follows:

December 20, 2019
 
Dear Faithful People of the Diocese of South Carolina,
 
On behalf of the Standing Committee I write to give you an update on the current status of this time of transition in our diocese. Bishop Adams’ last day as the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese of South Carolina will be December 31, 2019. We give thanks to God for his ministry among us over the past three years. 
 
Beginning January 1, 2020, there will be a period of time in which the Standing Committee will be the ecclesiastical authority of the Diocese. Historically, and in accordance with the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church, it is the duty of the Standing Committee to be the ecclesiastical authority in the absence of a bishop.
 
The Standing Committee is hard at work securing the appropriate episcopal oversight for our diocese in its current state of growth and change. We are in conversation with a possible bishop candidate but do anticipate a fair amount of time before this, or any candidate would be available. That is why we are also preparing for this period of transition, assuring that there will be no break in service to you, the faithful people of the Diocese of South Carolina. 
 
The Standing Committee has asked The Venerable Calhoun Walpole to extend her role as Archdeacon by providing day-to-day oversight of the diocesan staff in this period of transition. Archdeacon Walpole will also be the pastoral point of contact for the diocese. All other staff will continue in their current roles, ready to assist clergy and congregations as they have in the past. 
 
The Standing Committee is also in conversation with a couple of bishops who can be available to us during this time for confirmations and other episcopal acts, as well as serve as consultants to the Standing Committee if needed. 
 
As President, and on behalf of the Standing Committee, I will work closely with Callie+ to ensure that the ongoing work and ministry of the Diocese continues not only to function, but to thrive. It is also my intention to communicate information to the diocese in a timely manner when it seems appropriate to do so. Please continue praying for our diocese, and for the members of your Standing Committee, as we move forward together.
 
Faithfully yours,

The Reverend Canon Caleb J. Lee
President of the Standing Committee  
 
With the Standing Committee:  
The Reverend Fred Thompson
The Reverend George Moyser
Mr. Rick Stall
Ms. Emily Guess
Mr. Thomas Richardson
Ms. Diane Wilson
The Reverend Pam Fahrner
The Reverend Courtney Davis-Shoemaker
Ms. Alison Davidow
Mr. Taylor Skardon
The Reverend Tom Wilson
Thomas S. Tisdale, Chancellor
Katie Monoc, Vice Chancellor