New Episcopal Diocese plan includes FdL

Fond du Lac's Episcopal Diocese may become part of a bigger religious picture.

Discussions will continue this week at the general convention in Anaheim, Calif., about the possibility of joining together the dioceses of Eau Claire and Fond du Lac.

Fond du Lac Bishop Russell Jacobus said although the local membership may have concerns about the future of St. Paul's Cathedral if a new diocese is formed, the cathedral would remain a center of local religious activity.

"Both St. Paul's and Christ Church in Eau Claire are seats for the bishop's throne. I would not want to give up either," Jacobus said.

Eau Claire's diocese has been without a bishop since April 2008. Jacobus has performed some Episcopal functions in the diocese, including an ordination and confirmations.

"They could elect another bishop, which they can't afford, or junction with another diocese. They are in the process of discerning what to do," he said.

Jacobus, who is turning 65, said he is willing to see the process through before considering retirement. Episcopal Church bishops are required to retire at age 72.

A decision from Eau Claire's diocese is expected in November, when it meets for its convention.

In the fall of 2008, each diocesan convention passed resolutions seeking consent to begin the juncture process from its general convention, the necessary first step in the process. Jacobus said the union is called a juncture, not a merging of two dioceses, because both would cease to exist and a new diocese would be formed.

When both dioceses are ready to pursue substantive discussion about juncture, they will move in that direction. If those discussions yield a decision by both dioceses to become one new diocese, then consent of the general convention will be sought.

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