Dear Friends:
It is with both joy and sadness that I announce the Rev. Dr. Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew, rector of Christ Church, Manlius, has been called to serve as the Canon to the Ordinary for the Right Reverend W. Nicholas Knisely, Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island. There is joy as Dena’s gifts in ministry will continue to bless our Church and world, sadness as we say goodbye to a treasured colleague and friend.
Our diocese has benefited from Dena’s significant gifts in leadership through her service as the Chair of the Commission on Ministry, an ally and advocate for dismantling white privilege, and her thoughtful insights on the Diocesan Board and Visioning Team.
Dena will be completing her ministry at Christ Church on July 21st and will be moving to Rhode Island at the end of July, beginning her new position on August 1st.
I rejoice with the people of Rhode Island as they prepare to welcome a gifted teacher and pastor to their diocese. I invite your prayers for Dena, her family, and the people of Christ Church Manlius in this time of transition.
Blessings of peace and hope for the journey,
