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Clergy from across the diocese gathered on October 20 - 22 for the annual Clergy Retreat at Camp Capers. Each year, clergy have three days dedicated to discussing ministry and common bonds and challenges in their churches, the diocese, and the larger Episcopal community. The theme of the 2025 retreat was "Preaching in Challenging Times", especially relevant as clergy are tasked with leading and ministering to congregations and communities in a world rife with divisions and tensions.
Hosted by the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas, the retreat is also intended for clergy to have meaningful discussions on ministerial and administrative topics, and uninterrupted time for reflection and spiritual renewal, as well as unstructured time for discussion and engagement with fellow clergy. Worshiping in St. Francis Chapel is a special time for clergy to join together in prayer and communion.
This year's featured speaker was the Rt. Rev. Robert Christopher Wright, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta. Wright is an esteemed leader within the church and nation. His podcast, For People,has listeners in 100 countries, over 5,000 cities and over 300K downloads. Click here to read more about Wright.
Wright's presentation focused on "Preaching and Leading in a Politically Divided Time". Asking clergy "What's Your Why", he challenged them to discern on why they chose their vocation and to get to the heart of ministry, offering that it is a great time to be the church - we all are the church.
Discussing the current environment in the nation and world, Wright noted that troubling times are not new for people of faith and asking "Where would we be without their witness". Emphasizing that there is a reason to hope, Wright called on clergy to proclaim the truth as called to do by God, the ruler of all the world.
