Dear Sisters and Brothers of The Episcopal Diocese of Tennessee:
For many months now, it has been an honor and privilege to be moving through the process toward the election of your new bishop. Upon notice of my officially candidacy, Laura and I began a process of deep and sincere discernment, rooted in prayer and reflection with several friends and mentors around the Church.
It was with mixed emotions therefore, that I have informed both Anne Stevenson and David Rowe, the co-chairs of your Bishop’s Search Committee, to withdraw from this process and therefore further consideration. My decision has absolutely nothing to do with the fine people of the Diocese of Tennessee, your superb search committee or any sense about what rests before your next bishop. I earnestly believe your Diocese to have a wonderful history and some tremendous opportunities yet to be realized. In short, your next bishop will be the benefactor of genuine Christians, growing and vibrant parishes and a long-standing commitment to the core mission of the Gospel– knowing Jesus Christ and making Him known.
Primarily, this decision, which Laura and I have made together, had primarily to do with our own discernment about the best match between needs and gifts, timing and work yet to be done. You now have four outstanding candidates from whom to choose for your next bishop, and I am confident that our Lord will guide your Diocese to elect the right person to take you to the next chapter in your history. As for me, my own sense is that the work I have been called to do in Pensacola, Florida and in the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast needs to continue. Some of you may question why I have waited this far into the process to come to this conclusion. I can assure you that if I could have made this decision earlier, I would have done so. Only in the last few weeks has it come very clear to the Levenson family that the potentiality of a move to a new environment and ministry is not part of our Lord’s calling for our lives at this time.
Let me express my earnest gratitude to your search committee. All of them, under the leadership of David and Anne, have done a tremendous job in bringing forth a magnificent slate. Let me also say publicly a word of thanks to anyone who supported my nomination. Nomination alone was an honor; and being named a candidate for such a great Diocese was humbling to say the least.
Now may God guide you and direct you to continue to do the work you have been given to do. Know that you are in our prayers, particularly in the weeks ahead and I would ask for your prayers as well, for my ongoing ministry and the people of Christ Church, Pensacola and the very good Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast. “May the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,” (Colossians 3:15).
Faithfully, I remain,
The Reverend Dr. Russell J. Levenson, Jr.
Rector, Christ Church Parish
Pensacola, Florida
A Statement from the Episcopate Committee
The Episcopate Committee has received two letters of withdrawal from the process, from the Rev. Russell Levenson and the Rev. Thack Dyson. We are disappointed they could not continue with us, their statements explain their reasons very well. As we all know, calling of a Bishop, like a rector, is a discernment process that requires both the caller and the respective nominees to search for God's will.
God does not act according to our expectations or desires, but we know that God always serves our greatest good. We believe that is as true today as it was when we first announced our slate of nominees. Both Rev. Levenson and Dyson assure us of their regard for the diocese and the work of the Episcopate Committee, and we very much appreciate their faithfulness in pursing God's will.
Two nominees withdrew in our last process, though that was before the public announcement of the slate, so this truly is the way the process proceeds. Our attention now focuses on the three outstanding priests who continue with us, knowing that among these three is the next Bishop of the Diocese of Tennessee. Please continue to pray for them, for the electing delegates, and for our church in what is truly an exciting time in our church life.
The Rev. Canon Anne Stevenson
Dr. David L. Rowe
Co-Chairs.
