In 1874, the third bishop of the state of New Jersey, William Henry Odenheimer, divided the state into two dioceses along the Erie Lackawanna Railroad. During his episcopacy, the number of congregations had grown significantly, and it was becoming increasingly difficult for him to visit them all due to his failing health. Odenheimer chose to remain in the newly-created Diocese of Northern New Jersey (later renamed the Diocese of Newark), which had 55 congregations, as opposed to the Diocese of New Jersey, with 72.
The current bishops of the two dioceses, the Rt. Rev. Mark Beckwith of Newark, and the Rt. Rev. George Councell of New Jersey, are friends of long standing, having worked together in the diocese of Western Massachusetts when they were both canonically resident there. Eager to collaborate on common ministry, together they led a diocesan convention workshop, “New Jersey: Our Common State for Ministry” on Jan. 29. As Beckwith commented, “there are tremendous opportunities to build bridges between Episcopalians around the state.”
Several common ministries already exist. One, the Fund for Widows and Orphans of Clergy, was established in 1807 and is one of the oldest funds of its kind in the U.S. (Domestic partner participation was added in 1997.) Other current joint ministries include the Seamen’s Church Institute of New York and New Jersey; the prison ministries of each diocese, which are already doing work together; The Oasis LGBTi ministry in the Diocese of New Jersey which was started as a result of the work in the Diocese of Newark; and joint celebrations of Education for Ministry graduates.
Among the joint ministries the two dioceses are considering is the Good Shepherd Home, an orphanage in Bamenda, Cameroon. Several congregations in the two dioceses, as well as the Episcopal convent Community of St. John Baptist in Mendham, have already been helping to support the orphanage. Beckwith spoke of the bishops’ wish to deepen their relationship with the Diocese of Cameroon, which has few funds to support the Good Shepherd Home.
Another possible shared ministry is immigration reform, which Councell said is dear to his heart. “There are many undocumented immigrants in our congregations, and we can’t wait to provide pastoral support. These are not terrorists”, he said. “Our Lord’s family was immigrant. Wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if we could do a shared ministry on this!”
Last December, Beckwith and Councell joined to support the marriage equality bill, Freedom of Religion and Equality in Civil Marriage (S1967), testifying together at a committee hearing of the New Jersey State Senate. Beckwith said that he and Councell were disappointed that the bill was defeated on Jan. 7, but added that “we’re in it for the long haul,” and that both of them are continuing to work with Garden State Equality, a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender civil rights advocacy organization.
Both bishops were enthusiastic about the idea of holding a state-wide discernment event, perhaps once a year, where individuals from both dioceses could gather to explore who they are and what they are called to be, and develop a more imaginative idea of ministry and evangelism. Councell said, “Every Episcopalian has a faith story and we have to be more intentional about telling that story. Could we not come together, for instance, in Ocean Grove to be built up and encourage one another... we have to channel our energies, be more aware on a day-to-day basis of our relationship with the Lord and demonstrate that relationship in words and actions.” Noting that the two dioceses have approximately 85,000 members of whom 25,000 attend Sunday worship, Councell said, “We should be releasing 25,000 missionaries every Sunday.”
The bishops also spoke about exploring how the two dioceses might share administrative resources and talents, in order to provide efficiencies and cost reductions.
The floor was then thrown open for suggestions from those in attendance. These included:
- The possibility of Cross Roads Camp and Conference Center in the Diocese of Newark adding a representative to their board from the Diocese of New Jersey.
- Doing multicultural, anti-racism and reparation work together, including trainings.
- Men’s groups and young adult retreats.
- VOCARE (youth aged 19-30) in the Diocese of Newark would like to work with the Diocese of New Jersey.
- Bringing together the two dioceses’ immigration groups.
- Considering a joint mission venture.
- Encouraging congregations to do things together no matter which diocese they’re in.
Carole Ann King is a member of St. Peter’s, Morristown.
