A friend loves at all times, and kinsfolk are born to share adversity. (Proverbs 17:17)
The following is an excerpt of a letter written to Archbishop Linda Nicholls, who retires this month.
It has been a delight to work with Archbishop and Primate Linda Nicholls for these past years, and I must state that it is very sad that we cannot continue working together until my retirement next year.
+Linda has for a long time been a staunch supporter of our full communion relationship. Through our joint meetings between the House of Bishops and the Conference of Bishops we had the opportunity to meet and get to know one another. We discovered the similarities between us, like the fact that we had both had first careers as music teachers. All these things primed us to pick up our new collegial relationship upon her election as primate.
But we have been much more than colleagues—we have been sisters in Christ and friends as well. The primacy is a difficult and challenging job and no one fully understands it except others who hold similar positions. +Linda and I have been able to share in confidence many of our joys and sorrows, both professional and personal. I have been able to pick up the phone and call Linda at any time of the day or night when needed.
We have written many joint letters, co-chaired joint staff meetings and joint meetings of COGS and NCC. We worked together through the planning and fulfillment of last year’s assembly. We have made many videos and sung and prayed our way through COVID together.
I well remember the joint NCC and COGS meeting we held at Queen of Apostles, the last meeting before the world shut down with COVID. I had recently been diagnosed with depression and put on medication. I asked Linda for some private conversation, and she willingly volunteered to take on most of the load of chairing the meetings. But what I appreciated most was that she then took my hands and prayed with and for me.
+Linda, it has been a joy to work with you these five years. I know the friendship will continue and I will still be able to pick up the phone, to laugh, to cry, and to pray together. Thank you for your faithful leadership and ongoing support and encouragement.
—With deep affection, your sister, +Susan
Rev. Susan Johnson
ELCIC National Bishop
Loading ...