Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Fall 2013 Issue | Page 3

Wherever I Go, There I Am
the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston

Perhaps you will remember that in my letter for the Summer Issue of the
Virginia Episcopalian magazine I wrote about Shrine Mont being what I
called “the heart of the Diocese.” My perspective was based first on the
fact that Shrine Mont is the location of our formally consecrated cathedral,
the outdoor Shrine of the Transfiguration. Being our cathedral, the Shrine
is the official seat of the diocesan bishop and it is a place of and for all of
the people.
But, of course, the Shrine is hardly a
conventional cathedral (which is a great
part of its appeal to so many). Because
it is open-air, it is effectually closed
over the winter season because of the
inclement weather conditions in the
mountains over those months. And,
just as unconventionally, the bishop
does not preside at worship services
there very often.

In a conventional cathedral
arrangement, typically the bishop
is present and presides during the
cathedral’s celebrations of the Church’s
“Principal Feasts” (such as Easter,
Pentecost or All Saints) as well as other
major holy days throughout the year.
But, for our Diocese, all three bishops
are routinely scheduled to be in our
parish and mission congregations on
those special occasions, even when
the Shrine itself is “open.” This is
because there is no regular, enrolled
congregation at the Cathedral Shrine.

What I’m getting at is this: While
the Shrine is in fact the formal seat of
the bishop, it does not truly function as
my “church home” in the usual sense.
Indeed, I’m often questioned about
which church I consider to be my own
home church. Is there one in particular I
attend when not otherwise scheduled?
Or, is there a church that is commonly
thought of as “the bishop’s church”?

The answer to both questions is
“no.” You might think, then, that I am
something of an ecclesial orphan–with
no congregation to call home. Well,
that’s not really true.

The fact that I don’t have any
place to call my regular church home
makes each Sunday’s visitations all
the more substantive, all the more
special, all the more personal for me. In
short, I do very much feel that I have a

Photo: Emily Cherry

Bishop Johnston joins the Liverpool youth pilgrimage members at the diocesan offices.

church home – the one that is hosting
my episcopal visitation on any given
Sunday morning or afternoon.

This is very important to me,
and I hope you take my words here
quite literally. It doesn’t matter: In
Richmond, or far away in the reaches
of our Diocese, regardless of how large
or small, whether urban, suburban or
rural, liturgically high-church, lowchurch or middle-of-the-road, be it
conservative, liberal or centrist, the
church I feel is “home” is the one where
I am the celebrant and preacher. Then
and there, I do not feel like a guest!

This is why I enjoy our worship
together so much; I get to be a part of
one of your most personal experiences
– being in the praise of God. This is why
I enjoy the receptions following each
service so much; I get to spend time
talking with and getting to know my
own church family (when my schedule
allows, I’ve been known to be the one

who is just about the last to leave!).
This is why I think it is important
to meet with the vestry and other
congregational leadership whenever
possible; I get to work together with
my colleagues in guiding the Church in
our Diocese. This is why I so strongly
regret that it takes me so long (usually
three years) to get around to all of you,
but I always cherish my memories of
being with you in your place.

I say it again, but in another way.
As bishop, my home church is yours! I
am deeply blessed to have 182 “home
churches.” Sunday in and Sunday out,
morning and afternoon, I can’t wait to
be at home with you. t

Fall 2013 / Virginia Episcopalian

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