– The Bishop of Newark

There are clues that these words were not said yesterday, though they seem astoundingly contemporary, not only in thought but in language – especially for 1904.

Bishop Edwin Stevens Lines, the author, was Bishop of Newark for 24 years, from 1903 until his death in 1927.

How many bishops used words and phrases like “diversity,” “public servants,” and “social justice” in 1904? One hundred years after Bishop Lines, the similarity of today’s concerns in the Diocese of Newark is astonishing: justice in the workplace and society, housing for the poor, a living wage, child welfare, and care for refugees, prisoners, and those least fortunate.

But one need not be astonished: to love God and love your neighbors as yourself have always been compelling commandments. They are bedrock for the Church and Newark’s legacy of Christian action, to make “the conditions of human life more favorable.”

The conditions of human life are difficult to ignore in New Jersey. From the bloodshed of Revolutionary War battles through the demands of being the center of manufacturing, mining, commerce, construction and transportation, the people have known toil and torment. Waves of immigrants have struggled for life in this place: bias, unfairness, inequality and maltreatment have been part of the fabric of life here.

In the legacy of the Diocese of Newark, more than a few people of “right” mind have sought to act in love as Jesus loves: with totality of heart, soul, and mind. The mission of an energetic and spirited public Church has always been critical – and it is indispensable now.

Uniquely suited to social transformation, Christianity stretches human vision and capability. Christ calls people to recognize both the identity and the value of their neighbors; the faith community fortifies and invigorates the people. Worship is not for pardon only, but for renewal; not for solace only, but for strength – strength to work with God in the world.

Throughout its history, the Diocese of Newark has developed “a great company of public servants” working in hospitals, orphanages, homes for the elderly, urban service missions, camps for children and youth, community development corporations, and a wide array of other organizations. The Church has responded to war and many forms of injustice and suffering.

Lay and ordained leaders took a sick and feeble fellowship following the Revolution and made a resilient and resourceful diocese, carrying out mission, building churches, starting schools, helping to create The General Theological Seminary, writing hymns, teaching, and preaching the Gospel of Christ.

As the world has changed, so has the Church in the Diocese of Newark.

The prospect of the ordination of women generated strong support in the Diocese. Newark was a leading supporter of liturgical renewal and the revision of the prayer book in 1979. Trinity Cathedral sponsored one of the first national conferences on black empowerment. Newark had the first cathedral dean of African descent in the United States. The Diocese reached across the globe to welcome Kenneth Anand from the Diocese of Amritsar in India as Assistant Bishop.

Many people identify Newark with Bishop John Shelby Spong. The nature of northern New Jersey and the history of the Diocese show that he entered a living environment that fit him and enabled his ministry. In unique and powerful ways, he interpreted Christ’s ministry of presence and social justice for the late 20th century, building on existing strengths.

Bishop Spong challenged the Church and the culture, both locally and globally. Unexamined or untested beliefs could not be complacently held, traditions could not be blindly observed, and conventionalities could not be casually worshiped. His episcopate was painful for some, but inspirational and full of hope for many.

Today, Bishop John Palmer Croneberger espouses views very similar to those of Bishop Spong, but his style of leadership reflects his “whole people of God” vision for the Diocese. He allows questions to arise and doesn’t quickly settle the tensions they cause; questions such as: “What are the particular gifts of your congregation, your ministry?” or: “How do we want to be the Church in this place?”

In recent years people have grown in awareness of mission in their neighborhoods; they have had new experiences of one another; they have awakened to key dimensions of a shared life and life in the world around them. Laity and clergy are looking anew at congregations, governance and organizations to find ways to benefit the world they are called to serve.

What makes a healthy and effective Church? has been the question, the “mantra” of the Croneberger years. What expands our capacity for ministry? Are we ready for change?

The people of the Diocese are becoming clearer about the possibilities and the potential of God’s life in this unusually populous and multicultural mission field. With substantial strengths to build on from a rich legacy and the gifts of today’s faith community, anything and everything is possible.
We long for an ability to passionately tell our story in God’s story and to be part of meeting profound spiritual needs of people who may or may not have material goods but long for value and substance that can only be found in God.

Unmistakable is a strong desire among laity and clergy to build up the vitality of the spiritual heart of the Church’s life and to enhance their ability to directly and clearly relate to the world in terms of our immediate and present connection to God’s life and love in Jesus Christ. Leaders and members seek social change – more favorable conditions of life – without ignoring the spiritual needs of our neighbors.

St. Augustine said: “You are the bread on the altar.” The Episcopal Diocese of Newark lives in northern New Jersey as Christ’s sacramental, transforming presence in the world. Amen.

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