Holly Meyer writes for The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wisconsin:
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter knows viewpoints and backgrounds are varied among those who worship in his diocese, but it’s his new job to bring them together.
On Saturday, the former Glen Ellyn, Ill., priest was consecrated and ordained as the eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, which is based in Appleton. The diocese has more than 5,700 members at 38 locations across the northeastern third of the state.
Those churches are a smorgasbord. Some are big, some small; they’re urban and rural. They’re not all economically vibrant, and perspectives vary both theologically and socially.
“But what I haven’t seen and haven’t heard is any evidence of deep divisiveness,” Gunter said. “There’s definitely disagreements about various things, but folks seem to be willing to engage one another with gentleness and reverence. I want to build on that, too, and figure out how to have conversations that might need to be had in ways that can bring us all together and move us forward together.”
Image: Matthew Gunter greets brother bishops during preparations for his ordination and consecration as eighth Bishop of Fond du Lac.
