Selected as Nominee for Bishop
to the Diocese of Oregon

Dear friends in Christ,

The Diocese of Oregon has announced its finalists for their bishop search process and I am one of three candidates.  Information about the process can be found on their web site, www.diocese-oregon.org.

When I came to Northern California in 2006 I told Bishop Beisner that the only position I might consider should it become available was the one in Oregon but I didn't expect it to become open for 5-10 years.  In 2007 Bryon and I were married, bought our first house in Auburn and settled into our respective ministry vocations.  Because one of my major responsibilities is Deployment, or the Ministry of Transition, it should not have surprised me that circumstances changed!

Many of you know that the unexpected often disrupts our carefully crafted ideas of the life we create for ourselves.  That was certainly the case when Bishop Beisner first contacted me to speak about the possibility of joining him in this diocese.  It is true for me now as well.  For the past year or more I have been prayerfully considering the opening in Oregon, and since January have been actively engaged in the discernment process that has led to this announcement.

Because discernment requires both private prayer and communal conversation it is important for me to be able to share this process with you.  Until today the need for confidentiality has necessarily prevented that open conversation.  I am eager now to engage the larger community in seeking wisdom and guidance.  I am also aware that this announcement changes our relationship.  Regardless of the outcome of the election in November, a note of anxiety, impermanence and disturbance has been sounded.

I have often considered Jairus and his daughter in Mark 5:21-43.  Although she has been restored to life after her funeral preparation had already begun and Jairus is wildly grateful and relieved, the taste of death is certain to linger for both of them.  In a profound way they both know more deeply that they will one day be separated although that time has been delayed for the present.  That realization creates a sweet sadness as well as profound gratitude.

I am very grateful for the continued opportunities for ministry that we share in this diocese.  I am blessed to serve with a bishop, for whom I hold the highest respect and affection and to be part of a very fine team of diocesan staff, lay and clergy leadership throughout Northern California. 

This has been a matter of listening with the ears of my heart.  I have both been at peace and energized in the process and have been blessed with renewed enthusiasm for our mission and ministry here.  Although I will be on vacation until August 18, I look forward to our contact and conversation in the months ahead, and invite your wisdom and prayer as part of discerning the Spirit's guidance.

With faith, hope and love,

          Canon Britt+

View Canon
Britt Olson's Bio

View more info
on the Bishop search
process in Oregon

View official
announcement by the
Diocese of Oregon