Joint Letter from Bishop Todd Hunter (Church of the Savior) and Bishop Stewart Ruch III (Church of the Resurrection):
To the beloved congregations of Savior and Resurrection,
We are writing to you as brother bishops to share about an opportunity that Church of the Savior is exploring with Father Kevin and Deacon Karen Miller.
As some of you may know, the Reverends Bill and Linda Richardson, who lead Church of the Savior in Wheaton, have recently announced their intention to retire. As a preliminary step in their process of transition, they and Bishop Todd have talked with Father Kevin about the possibility of candidating for the rector position at Savior.
We wanted to let both congregations know about this opportunity as soon as possible so that you can pray for the Millers as they consider this possible next step in their ministry, and for Church of the Savior’s vestry as they enter a discernment process about their next rector.
Bishop Stewart Ruch:
When Kevin and Karen began discerning their next steps as church leaders 18 months ago, I reached out to Bishop Todd to investigate whether there could be a parish for Kevin and Karen to lead. For those at Resurrection who may not know, Bishop Todd leads a diocese that includes Church of the Savior.
Since I learned of this new leadership opportunity for the Millers, my conversations with Bishop Todd, Kevin, and Karen have been exciting. If Savior decides to select Father Kevin as their new rector, I am ready to bless this next step for my dear friends. The Millers and the Ruchs have been ministry partners for 15 years, and our partnership can only continue and grow through this next possible step for the Millers.
Bishop Todd Hunter:
As bishop over Church of the Savior, I’m excited about the prospect of Kevin and Karen candidating to lead one of our diocese’s churches. They both are exceptional leaders who have a remarkable track record as pastors within the Anglican work here in greater Chicago and beyond.
Church of the Savior will begin the discernment process in considering the Millers in the next few weeks. The Millers will remain at Resurrection throughout the summer, while they are candidating at Savior. If Savior does decide to invite them as leaders, the transition would occur sometime this fall.
We will continue to keep you updated on this process as it develops. We are so glad to be partnering with all of you in ministry. Join us in praying for Father Kevin and Deacon Karen, for Church of the Savior, and for the continued strengthening and mutual encouragement of our Anglican community here in the Midwest.
With love,
Bishop Stewart Ruch III, Diocese of the Upper Midwest
Bishop Todd Hunter, Diocese of Churches for the Sake of Others
________________
If you have questions for Father Kevin or Deacon Karen, please reach out to them directly at either kmiller@chrisitanitytoday.com or karenmiller@churchrez.org. Due to Bishop Stewart’s pending departure for sabbatical, any other questions should be directed to Executive Pastor Steve Williamson at steve@churchrez.org.
