Episcopal Life Online March 29, 2008
San Joaquin Episcopalians anchor reorganization in themes of resurrection, hope
Convention accepts Jerry Lamb as provisional bishop
By Mary Frances Schjonberg
[Episcopal News Service -- Lodi, California] The members of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin (http://www.diosanjoaquin.org) March 29 chose their provisional bishop and other officers, and passed organizing resolutions during a convention filled with cheers and applause, and rooted in the message of resurrection.
"I am awed by the opportunity" that the Diocese of San Joaquin has to transform itself, said Nancy Key, a member of the steering committee that worked towards the convening of the special convention, during a lunch break. The diocese has "a lot of momentum" that can now be channeled into concrete action, she added.
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori opened the convention at the Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist (http://www.stjohnsoflodi.org) in Lodi, California, with Morning Prayer.
The rest of the Episcopal Church "stand[s] with you in the firm and constant hope that this body will grow and flourish and bless the Central Valley of California in ways you have not yet dreamed of," the Presiding Bishop later told the convention.
When then-acting Convention Secretary the Rev. Deacon Susanne Ward called roll of the diocese's congregations, 18 of 47 responded, accounting for 43 lay delegates and 21 clergy. More than 400 people attended the convention.
Clergy delegates were asked to sign an oath of conformity to the Episcopal Church, similar to that which they were required to sign at their ordination. Lay delegates signed an oath the echoed the Baptismal Covenant (http://justus.anglican.org/resources/bcp/baptism.doc). Nominees for diocesan offices also had to sign the oath.
The convention accepted without debate Jefferts Schori's recommendation of Jerry Lamb as provisional bishop of the diocese.
The choice of Lamb came in consultation with the Presiding Bishop, who had recommended him earlier, in accordance with Canon III.13.1 (http://www.churchpublishing.org/general_convention/pdf_const_2006/Title_ III _Ministry.pdf). That canon states in part that "a Diocese without a Bishop may, by an act of its Convention, and in consultation with the Presiding Bishop, be placed under the provisional charge and authority of a Bishop of another Diocese or of a resigned Bishop."
Lamb, 67, retired as bishop of the Sacramento-based Diocese of Northern California in 2007 and most recently served as interim bishop in the Diocese of Nevada. Lamb and his wife, Jane, will live in Stockton, the seat of the Diocese of San Joaquin.
Full story: http://www.episcopalchurch.org/79901_96094_ENG_HTM.htm