Beloved in Christ,
Thank you all for your beautiful words of prayer and support for our diocese and our shared work together.
This letter is written as I travel back from Camp Allen in Texas. It is an interesting experience to go from one's consecration weekend right into my first experience of the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops. While feeling a bit like a freshman in high school, I was grateful for the warm welcome I received from my bishop colleagues and inspired by the depth of the conversations we shared.
At the House of Bishops
During our time together, the bishops had deep conversations on a variety of pressing issues from the church’s future and the Presiding Bishop’s strategic plan to theological education to congregational development and church planting. One matter we spoke a good deal about was artificial intelligence or AI.
To take up the mantle of being a bishop or faith leader in this fractured and divisive world, amid the rise of AI, is a daunting task. During a session on the opportunities, challenges, and even existential threats of AI, we discussed what is essential for the Church in this "singular" moment in human history. The following points felt critical when considering the Church's role at this time:
- Defend human dignity
- Teach discernment
- Advocate for the common good
- Insist on transparency
- Remind society that persons are not products
Each of you is important to me and to this diocese. As we discern the use of AI, know that our work continues to be one of upholding our Baptismal Covenant and embodying God's love for all persons.
A pastoral letter from the House of Bishops, following our September gathering, can be found here:
Read the House of Bishops' Pastoral Letter
Transition Team Update
Herbert Drayton, interim COO, conducted four town hall meetings over the last two weeks with diocesan staff, and looks forward to meeting with and listening to each staff member in one-on-one conversations in the coming weeks. Herbert is also committed to listening to voices across the diocese during this season.
The Rev. Gideon Pollach and Dr. Lena Mullings have started their work with congregations that are currently, or have recently been, in transition. They will continue in this capacity until the Rev. Licia Affer begins her position as Canon to the Ordinary on November 1.
Mieke Vandersall and Erin Weber-Johnson are leading the larger listening team with individuals from across the diocese. Meetings with this team have already begun. This team will be creating and implementing the listening process set to begin at Diocesan Convention in November 2026.
I am grateful to each of the leaders who have agreed to serve in this important ministry. Below, please find their names, photos, and deaneries.
I invite you to join me in praying for this season of transition:
O God of beginnings and renewals,
You call us into places we have not yet walked, and entrust us with people we have not yet met.
We come with trembling hands and open hearts, ready to be surprised by Your Spirit.
In our eagerness, keep us humble.
In our uncertainty, keep us steady.
In our joy, keep us generous.
Let this ministry be a place where truth is spoken in love, where the weary find rest, and where Your justice rolls down like a mighty river.
We offer our plans, our gifts, and our very selves to You—
trusting that what You begin, You will bring to fullness.
Amen.
The Rt. Rev. Adam J. Shoemaker
Bishop of Long Island