In his final address to the Convention of The Anglican Diocese of South Carolina, Bishop Mark Lawrence thanked various groups for their partnership these last 14 years. “If I have stood firm and at times resolute and perhaps even resilient, it is because you have stood firmly beside me,” he said.
The Convention, which was held Friday, March 11, 2022, at Saint James Anglican Church, Charleston was shortened to enable the consecration of our new bishop, the Rt Revd Chip Edgar, to be held the next day, Saturday, March 12.
In his address, Bishop Lawrence reflected on the steep learning curve he had as Bishop, quoting Bishop Salmon, who said the transition “reminded him of a NASCAR race. ‘He would drive into the Pit Stop, jump out, and South Carolina 14 would jump in.’”
“Frankly, I have a far less stressful handing over the reins than did he,” said Lawrence. “And moreover, I trust Charles Francis Edgar III will have less stressful receiving of them than did I. If this is true, it’s partially due to the ACNA – the Anglican Church in North America, the provincial Church we are now part of, and likewise to the greater unity within the Anglican Diocese of South Carolina. In addition, it’s partially due to the competence of my successor…”
The most poignant part of his address came at the very end when he thanked various diocesan groups, committees – and his wife, Allison.
Read it all and please note the many links at the bottom of the article for excellent and interesting material you should consider giving your time to.
As our diocese transitions towards a new season of leadership, it’s a good time to glean some final reflections and advice from Bishop Lawrence. What wisdom would he want to share with us? Read https://t.co/G6e7dovN4I to find out! #BishopLawrence #WordsOfWisdom #ADOSC pic.twitter.com/Hs3aFx4Vfv
— Anglican Diocese of SC (@anglican_sc) February 23, 2022