Episcopal Press and News

Search the Episcopal Press and News

Year

All 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962

Enter search query

Alaska Consecrates Youngest Bishop in the Episcopal Church

Episcopal News Service. September 26, 1997 [97-1961]

(ENS) In a sweeping liturgy that blended a wide variety of historic influences on the church's largest diocese over the last century, Alaska consecrated Mark MacDonald as its seventh bishop. At 43 he is the youngest bishop in the Episcopal Church.

The September 13 consecration at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks drew heavily on Native American elements -- not all of them from Alaska. Bishop Steven Plummer of Navajoland and Bishop William Wantland, a Seminole from Eau Claire, participated, with clergy from throughout the huge diocese and the nation.

The Gospel was read in English and then the two official Native languages, Inupiaq and Gwich'in. The preacher was Steve Darden, a Navajo from Flagstaff, a friend from the time when MacDonald served in Navajoland. Much of MacDonald's ministry has been spent serving among Native Americans in Oregon, Navajoland and Minnesota. While some of his own ancestors were likely Native American, MacDonald does not claim any tribal affiliation.

During interviews with the local press, MacDonald has been asked about his pony tail, even though they are fairly common in Alaska. Owanah Anderson, the church's officer for Native American Ministry who was in Alaska for the consecration, said that "Mark is probably the first bishop since the 18th century with a pony tail."

Words of welcome and advice

At a banquet following the consecration service, MacDonald heard many words of advice -- and a few warnings. Bishop James Jelinek of Minnesota urged the new bishop and the diocese to "keep the relationship healthy" and not lay too many expectations on their new leader. "Mark will walk into every moment trying to be faithful to God -- and you won't like that all the time," he said. The Navajos warned the diocese to treat MacDonald well or they would reclaim him.

Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, the chief consecrator, called attention to the presence of all three of Alaska's Roman Catholic bishops, calling that "a good sign." While contending that the history of the diocese "would stand up to any in the church," he warned that "greatness doesn't come without some pain and suffering but also great opportunities."

Cultural tensions are part of the reality of the diocese, which is split roughly in half with concentrations of Native parishes in the north, along the Yukon River and in the Arctic, and predominantly white parishes in the south. Half of the diocesan budget of $700,000 goes to support the ministry in the north.

With more than 1400 miles from the southernmost parish to Point Barrow in the north, it is a diocese the size of a continent. For years church members have been talking about the need to split Alaska into two diocese -- if nothing else to keep from killing their bishop. It was apparent from conversation during the consecration that the age of the new bishop is regarded as a strong asset.

"Take care of yourself and then you can take care of the diocese, and the diocese can take care of you," Browning concluded. In response, MacDonald thanked the presiding bishop for his support and said, "When the history of Indian ministry is written it will say things about you it has never said about anyone."

Over several hours participants offered gifts and comments. A colleague from Minnesota warned the diocese to be prepared for strong leadership -- and deep compassion. Hannah Solomon, an 87-year-old matriarch from Fort Yukon, who has known all six previous bishops, presented a beaded stole and a few choice words of wisdom. And Tom Stillday, chief spiritual leader of the Red Lake Ojibwa in Minnesota and first Native American chaplain in the Minnesota Legislature, shared his own personal testimony and said that MacDonald had helped him see how both of them work for God. As a sign of respect, the tribe sent Stillday to participate in the consecration.

A new beginning

As the Rev. David Elsensohn of Sitka said in welcoming guests to the banquet, "It is a new beginning for all of us." He sees the young new bishop as the leader that "will help the diocese of Alaska become a new people together." Rector of St. Peter's by the Sea, Sitka, Elsensohn said that he foresees a continuation in the vein charted by Bishop Charleston, "an exciting path for us to follow."

It may be part of the "honeymoon" most new bishops enjoy, but people in the diocese are sensing a new infusion of hope and energy.

The Rev. Luis Uzueta, who said that he enjoys playing guitar with the new bishop, said that after 18 months in transition, "Mark brings encouragement and hope to the staff -- and to the diocese." Like his predecessor Steve Charleston, who resigned for family reasons, "he has a strong sense of direction and has special gifts of discernment, especially on multicultural issues. He is very spiritual but with a common touch and people open up to that." Uzueta describes a gentle humility about MacDonald "that puts people at ease."

The diocese continues to struggle with financial problems and that has affected morale. "Everyone knows that Mark has been called to do a difficult job but he has gifts that we have been waiting for," Uzueta said. "He has a very solid spiritual core and he brings a fresh sense of hope."

Uzueta is encouraged that MacDonald's leadership will rejuvenate the long-range planning discussions.

On his first Sunday visitation, MacDonald went to a historic parish, St. Mark's in Nenana, which has a "long list of heroes who changed Alaska." With a gentle sense of humor and light touch, he reached out to the packed church and shared with them the Gospel. And then he helped baptize a child -- whose name was Destiny.