Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2012 Issue | Page 10

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The Rt. Rev. David Colin Jones is a natural in every respect.
Colleague, teacher, authority, nurturer, visionary, pragmatist
and friend—in all aspects of his ministry as a bishop, David
Jones is easily and authentically himself. As bishop suffragan
in our diocese for the past 17 years (not to mention his
stellar ministry of 26 years as a parish priest) he has served
faithfully, indeed brilliantly, and we are all the better for his
work and his presence among us.

From my own first day as a bishop, no, well before that
as a bishop-elect, David and Kay have been there for Ellen
and me. Always most gracious, they have been as clear about
their support of us as they have been practical in bringing
that support, both personal and professional, to life. My
move to the Diocese of Virginia as bishop coadjutor in 2007
was smoother because of their thoughtfulness, and then
from 2009 my new ministry as diocesan bishop has been
facilitated by their understanding. (And, be very sure: Kay
Jones is as knowing and wise about all of that as anyone.)

I cannot imagine anything more in a fellow bishop. Of
the many qualities that I have come to respect in David,
I most admire his unique combination of gentleness and
strength. It’s not simply a matter of choosing when to use
which trait but rather the simultaneous exercise of both
that defines David’s presence in his ministry. I know that I
have benefited much from this example and I pray for the
grace to learn from it as well.

Another of my favorite qualities in David’s episcopate
is his ability for encouragement. Whether working with a
congregation or an individual, he always brings a can-do
type of attitude to the table, including an uncanny sense of
steering people into their own vision of how to achieve the
appropriate goals. Countless times, I have seen this bishop
coax confidence and renewal out of hardship or despair.
When Bishop Jones is ministering with you, there is no
question about “What does the Diocese mean to us?” It is
clear then and there.

Everything entrusted to David’s oversight is handled
with steady and knowing care. It makes no difference
whether he is working with something small in scale or large;
he always brings his best and deepest. David has ministered
not only to the life of the Diocese of Virginia but also for
the larger Episcopal Church, being highly respected as a
standout leader in our House of Bishops. Now president of
the American Friends of the Episcopal Church in the Sudan (a
ministry he will continue after his retirement in Virginia), he
has proven to be a bishop of international stature as well.

But, just as much to the point (and, for a heart like
David’s, every bit as important) is his effect on one person
at a time. I myself know what this is like: when David comes
into a room, I simply feel better and I want to be better. To
me and to countless persons, David Jones’ presence has
been a great gift. I am so very grateful to have worked with
him for almost five years and to know him as a brother in
Christ. I am also proud to call David and Kay Jones friends.
–The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston

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VIRGINIA EPISCOPALIAN / Winter 2012

If you look up the word gracious in the dictionary, you might
find a picture of Kay Jones next to it. She exhibits every trait
of this word—sociable, genial, kind and compassionate. In
addition, she demonstrates an authentic generosity of spirit
that we would all do well to emulate. I have found Kay to be
the very model of today’s episcopal spouse. She provides
strong support for her husband, all the while serving as a
consummate professional in her own right.

Kay and I have laughed about our tendency to show
up at events dressed almost alike. In fact, she told me at
Shannon’s consecration that she owned the same jacket I
wore that day and had almost worn it to the service. I wish
she had! That’s the stuff that makes for fun stories.

I am very proud to know Kay and wish all the best for
her and Bishop Jones in their retirement.
–Ellen Johnston

Cuando llegue a este país, la primera iglesia que conocí
fue una Iglesia Episcopal a través de un buen samaritano
que me acogió en su hogar, siendo que yo vine a servir en
una Iglesia Romana. Un tiempo después, un gran y mejor
encuentro fue con el Obispo Jones, un hombre grande en
obras y palabras, un gran y buen pastor, de quien reboza
el amor y la simpatía. El, como pastor es un regalo de Dios
para nuestra Iglesia de la Diócesis de Virginia. ¡Ojala, que
todo el clero y los laicos hayamos aprendido y disfrutado de
él en su sabiduría, sencillez, generosidad y bondad. Obispo
Jones me recibió en la Iglesia Episcopal el primer día que
me conoció, desde ese día el ha sido mi inspiración. Hoy me
siento privilegiado de haber sido aceptado y reconocido
por él como Sacerdote Episcopal dentro de nuestra Iglesia.
Creo que toda la diócesis debe sentirse privilegiada por
este don de Dios que es el Obispo Jones, pero también
agradecida por que el Señor le dio un buen pastor que
cuido a sus ovejas con amor, un pastor que es capaz de dar
su propia vida por su rebaño. (Jn. 10:15-16)
–The Rev. Roberto A. Orihuela

What to say about the Rt. Rev. David Colin Jones? First, he is
a man of enormous faith: through the trials and tribulations
of life in the Church, I have never known him to despair.
Second, he is a man of great courage: 30 years ago, when
female clergy were still suspect in many places, he called me
to join his staff at the Church of the Good Shepherd. Third,
he is a man of mission: throughout the Episcopal Church,
he became an advocate for and implementor of planting
churches. Fourth, he has a remarkable sense of humor: B