Episcopal Press and News

NEWARK: Assisting Bishop plans to finish book, spend time with youngest daughter

Episcopal News Service. June 20, 2007 [062007-05]

Diocese of Newark Assisting Bishop Carol Gallagher plans to spend time this summer finishing a book on congregational development and being with her youngest daughter who is just home from her first year at college.

Gallagher announced in May that she would be leaving the diocese after nearly two years as assisting bishop.

The diocese's newspaper reports that Gallagher will complete a book to be published by Church Publishing Inc. about congregational development in "small, unique, struggling and challenged congregations."

"And then hopefully I will do some teaching and other supply support," Gallagher told the Voice, the diocesan newspaper.

The diocese will honor Gallagher's ministry in Newark at a special evensong service, to be held at Trinity and St. Philip's Cathedral in Newark on June 23 at 4 p.m.

"In the nearly two years that she has been here, Bishop Gallagher has been a vital and compassionate presence and leader in our diocese, especially during a time of transition from the announced retirement of one bishop to the election and consecration of another," Newark Bishop Mark Beckwith, who succeeded Bishop John Croneberger on January 27, wrote in a May 3 letter announcing Gallagher's departure. "Carol has described her ministry among us as that of an 'episcopal midwife,' tending faithfully to the details and pastoral care issues that emerge during times of transition. She has certainly been that and more."