Gather, Listen, Connect!

Healing and Reconciliation in the Diocese of Easton

March 2026

Recognizing pain, upset and disappointment amongst members of the Diocese of Easton during this period of transition, the Standing Committee as Ecclesiastical Authority, appointed a Steering Committee in mid 2025, to address the apparent needs for healing and reconciliation throughout the Diocese.

The work of the Steering Committee produced three separate days for lay and clergy to Gather, Listen and Connect! (GLC) regarding what may be at the root of the concerns. The events were all day, including a meal together, and took place in each of the three convocations. The Committee is most grateful to Christ Church, Kent Island, St. Peter’s in Salisbury and Shrewsbury Parish in Kennedyville, for their hospitality and support.

With leadership from retired Bishop Mary Gray Reeves, the Committee introduced a format for the larger gatherings which they themselves had followed faithfully at each of their bi-weekly zoom meetings. The process always began with a Lectio Divina (a form of Scripture Study) and included moments of prayer and silence as the guided discussions and decision making followed.

Following a group analysis of all of the GLC data, the Committee prepared and presented a summary report and recommendations during the 158th Convention in February 2026. A report of that presentation will be posted here soon.

Data and summaries of the three GLC events are linked here.

Based largely on feedback from the GLC events, it is clear that many, possibly most, wish for the Diocese to move forward by discerning the work of God’s Episcopal Church on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. That Discernment Committee stands ready to carry the torch and continue their work as they were charged to do at the 157th Convention.

Simultaneously it is evident that there are those who remain wounded and are looking for healing in order to move forward. With direction from the Standing Committee, the Steering Committee stands ready to re-engage, as may be necessary, in this important work.

It has been our collective honor and blessing to do this most holy work. We are grateful for the privilege given us.

Prayerfully,

The Steering Committee of the Diocese of Easton

Steering Committee Members

The Rt. Rev Mary Gray-Reeves
Chrissy Aull, St. Paul’s, Centreville
Eugenie Drayton, Trinity Cathedral, Easton
The Rev. Greg Harbaugh, St. Peter’s, Salisbury
Diana M. Kunkel, Ph.D., Emmanuel, Chestertown
The Very Rev. Susan Leight, Rector, Christ Church, Cambridge
James Martinez, Christ Church I.U., Worton
The Rev. Charlotte Meyer, Old Wye
Lisa Sabetti, Shrewsbury, Kennedyville
The Rev. Michael Valliant, Christ Church, Easton

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