Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2015 Issue | Page 6

Our Diocesan Identity & Community The second in a series about what it means to be a part of the Diocese of Virginia community. One Episcopate, Three Bishops Emily Cherry The model of leadership in the Diocese of Virginia has been described as “one episcopate shared by three bishops.” What does that mean, exactly? It means that we have a team of bishops who serve the Diocese collaboratively; that we have three unique sets of gifts and skills shaping our Diocese in mission. Together, the Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, diocesan bishop; the Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff, bishop suffragan; and the Rt. Rev. Edwin F. “Ted” Gulick Jr., assistant bishop, have a three-in-one approach to leadership. It’s a good thing, too, in a Diocese as large as Virginia. With 182 congregations and about 80,000 Episcopalians, Virginia is one of the biggest dioce ͕́