Dear Siblings in Christ,
In our Baptismal Covenant, we promise to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and to “strive for justice and peace among all people.” We make these promises not as individuals, but as members of one Body, called to walk together in the way of Christ. Jesus modeled this companionship when he sent his disciples out two by two, reminding us that the work of ministry is not meant to be undertaken alone.
As the two Episcopal dioceses serving the people who call the State of Missouri home, we share a deep history, a common ministry, and a desire to strengthen our companionship in Christ. In that spirit, we are pleased to announce a collaborative arrangement between our two dioceses concerning the work of our Intake Officers.
The Intake Officers for the Diocese of Missouri, the Rev. Sally Weaver, and the Diocese of West Missouri, the Rev. Dn. Barbara Wegener, who are responsible for the initial receipt, interview, and investigation of matters pertaining to clergy discipline, will work collaboratively with one another at all stages of the Title IV disciplinary process. This collaboration will allow the Intake Officers to bring both the pastoral context of ministry and the objective perspective necessary in matters of discipline to their work.
Title IV is designed not simply as a disciplinary mechanism, but as a process through which the Church seeks accountability, reconciliation, pastoral care, and the integrity of ordained ministry. Having two Intake Officers working together provides an opportunity for careful discernment, mutual consultation, and a fuller understanding of the circumstances surrounding any matter that comes before them, while maintaining the safeguards and responsibilities established by Title IV.
This collaborative approach is also an expression of our shared commitment to the ministry of the Episcopal Church in Missouri. By working together, our dioceses can learn from one another, strengthen relationships among our leaders, and foster a greater sense that, though we are two dioceses, we are companions in the same mission and members of one Body in Christ.
We believe this arrangement will deepen and strengthen the relationship between the Diocese of Missouri and the Diocese of West Missouri while preserving the integrity, confidentiality, independence, and procedural requirements of the Title IV process. It is our hope that this spirit of collaboration will become another way in which we embody the promise of our Baptismal Covenant: walking together, seeking Christ in one another, and striving for justice, reconciliation, and peace.
May the Holy Spirit continue to guide both our dioceses as we seek to serve God’s people faithfully and to be ever more deeply woven together in Christ.
Faithfully yours in Christ,
The Rt. Rev. Amy Dafler Meaux The Rt. Rev Deon K. Johnson
Bishop of West Missouri Bishop of Missouri
Intake Officers
The Rev. Sally Weaver (sallysweaver@yahoo.com)
Rev. Dn. Barbara Wegener (https://diowestmo.org/contact-us/)