Dear People of God at St. Mark’s,

This letter is written with a heavy heart and an indescribable mix of emotions. I think it would be safe to say that there is no one that wishes for days such as we find ourselves in at this moment. It is my belief that no moment in time ever contains the totality of what one person or one community is about. Certainly, each can learn from the experience, and can, in time, hopefully learn and grow because of it, but neither is ever completely defined by it.

Dean Robert Taylor’s resignation is particularly difficult when one considers the tremendous spiritual and capital growth during his tenure, the many outreach and community connections he inspired, nurtured, and carried through in Seattle, and far beyond, and perhaps most importantly, the relationships he has developed and held holy through his time here. His accomplishments are countless and profound. I know he has prayed daily for members of St. Mark’s, this alone is a great act of courage in our world. His legacy will be significant and seminal for the rest of the history of St. Mark’s Cathedral. One huge regret for me, in my short time here, is not having known him even more.

This has been a long process, longer than anyone had hoped for. Some in the community have suggested that secrecy or conspiratorial maneuvering was at play, but there was much that could not be shared, for legitimate reasons, and often at the request of the various parties. I realize this does leave the community weary and no one in leadership would have hoped for that. Was this a difficult process to work through? Indeed it was. I have not been involved in all of it, and surely, I came into the middle of it in my time as bishop, however, I reiterate what I have said before; my personal dealings with all involved have revealed much grace and dignity.

In the days ahead there will be much work for this community to do. I pledge to be with you in that work as much as I can and as much as your Vestry would like for me to be. For now, I encourage you to pray for one another, pray for Robert and Jerry, and be gentle with one another as we begin to tell the story of the past, and look toward the future.

Blessings to you all,

The Rt. Rev. Greg Rickel
Bishop of Olympia

Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7

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For the press release, click here