Bruno cites
FACTS of mission for his episcopacy
Bishop emphasizes value of teamwork in future of diocese
Pledging trust and truthfulness—and asking the same in return—Bishop Jon
Bruno spelled out the FACTS of mission for the Los Angeles Diocese during
his episcopacy.During
his sermon Dec. 1 at the 106th Diocesan Convention in Riverside, Bruno spoke
of the emphasis that Formation, Abundance, Competence, Truth-Trust, and
Service will have in his tenure as bishop diocesan, which begins Feb. 1,
following the Jan. 31 retirement of Bishop Fred Borsch.
As Bruno approached the
lectern-turned-pulpit, a photograph of civil rights legend Rosa Parks loomed
large on video screens so that all 1,000-plus persons attending could see
her easily. Parks, who Bruno said “by one singular act 46 years ago (Dec. 1,
1955) transformed this world” by refusing to move to the back of a bus in
pre-integration Alabama.
Parks is a “simple image of
courage,” said the bishop, calling upon all in the diocese to emulate her
trust in God.
Bruno’s sermon preceded the
passing of the crosier from Borsch to him, the symbolic act of transferring
authority from one diocesan to another. But in reference to that transfer,
Bruno said “the crosier doesn’t give me any authority that you folks don’t
give me,” his eyes passing over the audience as he spoke.
As evidence of his commitment
as a team member alongside others in this diocese, Bruno announced new
programs, now already under way.
Vision teams will form within the 10 deaneries to work with Bruno over the
next 12 months to help determine priorities within their areas. Bruno also
announced the Kaleidoscope program, for which 10 congregations will be
chosen to participate in special diversity training.
“Hands in Healing” was
announced as another new venture, a part of which will include convocations
to be held within the counties to learn what is needed so that congregations
can help address violence against children and families. Last, Bruno
announced the creation of the Borsch Center for Social Change, to be
constructed adjacent to the Cathedral Center and to serve as an “incubation”
site of new programs while also fostering expansion of existing
diocesan-affiliated programs such as the credit union and Hillsides.
Rosa Parks’ image again
dominated the convention hall screens as Bruno closed his sermon with a call
to action: “Do that simple act of courage.”
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