The Rt. Rev. John Palmer Croneberger was invested and seated as the ninth Bishop of Newark at Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral Feb. 26. Following that liturgy TLC's Newark correspondent, Ronnie T. Stout-Kopp, and the bishop had this conversation.

How do you see your episcopal mission to the wider Anglican Communion in this country and the world?

I see my mission very much as one of oversight, focusing on this diocese. I have a responsibility to be faithful to ministry in this diocese and not to universalize. I believe it is important to keep in mind that our local experience is not everyone's experience. Take for instance the recent consecrations in Singapore. This action seems misguided and motivated by a mistaken perception of the American church as being weak and failing. This kind of invasion from outside is not helpful to the church. I recently took part in a conversation where others were saying that the church is failing because we are talking too much about the "issues" and not about "Jesus Christ." I beg to differ. Jesus and the issues are related. I believe that Jesus Christ is found in the midst of the issues and is not over and against the issues.

Describe your vision for the church in the future.

My vision for the future is one where the church continues to grow both in numbers and in its understanding of our baptismal covenant. Likewise, I hope that the church is not and will not be monolithic. It is my vision that we can "leave the isms and phobias at the door" and get on with the business of faithfully living out our baptismal covenant in such ways as inclusiveness.

In what ways will you be similar to and different from Bishop Spong?

I have no plans whatever to try to fill his shoes. I will not be writing books. I will only try to faithfully fill my own shoes and be authentic to myself. It is my responsibility to be genuinely who I am and to work with the gifts that God has given to me and to make the very best contribution while I am here. Concerning the more substantive issues, what will be different between Jack Spong and myself is how those issues will be addressed. The human issues relating to sexuality, gender, and justice will continue to be important and remain central. I will continue to live out in faithfulness to my baptismal covenant all issues related to justice making. The major difference between us will be evident in my style. My style is collaborative and it is my intent that I will be in conversation with and listen carefully to all of the different voices in this diocese.

Who is Jesus Christ to you personally and how does that relate to your episcopate?

Christ is the one who is proclaimed by the historic communities of faith in scripture and credal statements. Jesus is the one who meets me on the road and who calls me into new beginnings and behavior. He is my Savior and The Way.

What is the biggest challenge you face as Bishop of Newark?

The development of new and existing congregations and the development of prophetic leadership. I am challenged to deepen and enrich the life of congregations and to provide the resources for life-giving ministries and to affirm those ministries. I am challenged to discern and to understand.

What drives you and gives you strength?

Clearly the support of the community that raises me up is important, as well as living and discerning in community. All that I do is done with the counsel and wisdom of the community, and I do nothing alone. My wife, Marilyn, is also important. She is always at my side and we stand together. She is a real trooper who shares in my ministry. I am aware that the Diocese of Newark is an unusual place to be and I am excited about the ministries here. I am proud to be with the clergy of this diocese who are so very gifted, and I intend to continue to try to attract good clergy to this diocese.