Dear EDS Community,
It’s my honor to begin this new ministry of service as Chair of the Board of Trustees.
Thank you to our outgoing chair, Ms. Kay Kramer, who has played a transformational role. Kay holds authority in a way that appreciates and honors all voices. I am pleased that she will continue as Secretary of the board. I also wish to thank Bishop John L. Rabb, who is retiring from the board. His leadership is distinguished by a remarkable ability to build bridges with diplomacy and grace. Thank you, Kay and John, for your faithful service to EDS.
I also wish to extend a warm welcome to our newly elected board members: the Rev. Dr. Antonio J. Gallardo and the Rev. Norma Guerra.
In this new chapter for EDS, we are dedicated to transparency in our work together, ensuring that communication is both consistent and direct. In that vein, major points of discussion from our board meetings will be available on the EDS website.
President Lydia Bucklin has begun her tenure with incredible energy and vision. In our October 23rd meeting, President Bucklin presented a report from her first 90 days, which included the following goals:
- Curate space for interdisciplinary ethical dialogue and theological discourse resulting in projects and programs with an impact
- Develop a system to gain regular insight into program gaps and needs for the creation of experimental, adaptable, and collaborative programming
- Co-create an organizational culture reflecting a pathway towards equity and liberation where differences are valued and used for the benefit of all
EDS is currently working to transform these goals into programs that meet the needs of our changing church, and we look forward to sharing the results of this work with you by the end of the first quarter of 2025.
In this time of discernment, creative planning, and hopeful visioning, we ask you to hold EDS in your prayers. Our neighbors and communities are yearning for all of us to usher in Jesus’ reign of justice and peace. Through God’s grace, we can advance that together.
Grace and Peace,
The Rt. Rev. Matthew Heyd
17th Bishop of New York
Chair, Board of Trustees
