Council 2023 – By Buzz Barton

It was a privilege to attend Council and represent St. Philip’s. I must admit, I went thinking I knew what was ‘best’ for St. Philip’s and our Diocese only to find myself humbled by the experience.

The highlight of this Council for me, was the election of a Bishop Coadjutor and The Rev. David G. Read, Rector of St. Helena’s, Boerne was so named. He will replace our current Bishop David Reed later this year and has thirty years of experience as a parish priest and the support of the priests of our Diocese to assist him in being a wonderful leader of the Diocese of West Texas for the next decade or more.

Three days in Corpus Christi was an enlightening experience for me as I have not been involved in the work of The Church on a Diocesan level in some time. It was interesting to learn of the multitude of endeavors to reach out to the people of this Diocese, (not just Episcopalians), in various aspects of life ranging from evangelism to immigration, racial equality and a myriad of other issues. I especially enjoyed (current) Bishop Reed’s address touching on things close to his heart.

I had a wonderful time, seeing old friends and meeting some new ones. Please inquire with the other delegates or alternates for specific information or questions you might have. I’m thankful for the opportunity to attend and pray I will be more involved in the future. – Buzz Barton