The bishops of the Diocese of Long Island have just returned from the Fall House of Bishops meeting, held this year in the Diocese of the Dominican Republic. Along with their regular meetings and discussions, the bishops and their spouses had the opportunity to learn more about the host diocese, which includes 5,000 members and 67 missions.
Reflecting on the trip, Bishop Provenzano said:
“The most important part of our time in the Dominican Republic was witnessing the life and ministry of the Church there. With limited resources, the Diocese offers everything it has—caring for people and living out the call of Matthew 25 through ministries that meet deep human need.
Experiencing their generosity and hospitality was both humbling and inspiring. In our meetings, the bishops engaged in good and faithful work together, strengthened by what we had seen and shared. As I returned home, I carried with me the lessons of their dedication and the encouragement of our collaboration. I feel grateful and renewed, ready to begin this next year of ministry with hope and purpose.”
During the meeting, the Bishops discussed many of the challenges facing the church today, including the polarization of politics, humanitarian crises around the world, and the church's declining membership, among others. To learn more about the House of Bishops meeting, we invite you to read these articles from the Episcopal News Service:
House of Bishops gathers in the Dominican Republic for fall meeting
Bishops, Dominican Episcopalians worshipping together ‘worth the wait’
Bishops visit Episcopal mission sites in spiritually ‘nourishing’ tour of Dominican Republic
As House adjourns, bishops reflect on ‘inspiring’ gathering in the Dominican Republic