Dear People of St. James’:
Next week, on Sunday, August 25, The Rt. Rev. Philip Duncan and his wife Kathy will be joining us for confirmation and celebration at the 10:15 am service. They are not strangers to St. James’, having worshipped with us before in the building on MLK. It will be a delight to have Bishop Duncan and Kathy with us to celebrate this new phase in our life together, especially on the day that Godly Play, the 9 am adult class, and the choir return for the fall.
The Rt. Rev. Philip M. Duncan served as bishop of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast (2001-2015). During his tenure, his diocese was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ivan. Bishop Duncan guided the diocese through these challenges, which caused much damage to churches, congregations and caused much of the population to shift. Hurricane Ivan damaged the homes of all but one of the diocesan staff. Bishop Duncan knows what it means to accompany communities through stormy times and the grief-laden aftermath.
Following his retirement, he and his wife Kathy moved to Austin to be closer to family and, here, he assists with visitations and confirmations for the Diocese of Texas. This has long been a favorite part of his ministry.
Previous to his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Duncan served as dean of Saint Matthew’s Cathedral in Dallas (1993 – March 2001). He was rector of St. John’s Church, Clearwater, Florida, (1972-1993) and curate of Christ Church, Ridgewood, New Jersey (1970-1972).
A native of Long Island, he studied at Baldwin Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, where he earned a history degree. He received a Bachelor of Sacred Theology and Master of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary in New York City and a Doctor of Ministry in evangelism from Virginia Theological Seminary. He has been honored with Doctor of Divinity degrees from General Theological Seminary, University of the South and Virginia Theological Seminary. Bishop Duncan’s service to The Episcopal Church includes time on the General Board of Examining Chaplains and the Standing Commission on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations. He is an associate of the Society of Saint John the Evangelist, a religious order for men focusing on spirituality and a member of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem.
I met Bishop Duncan in the midst of supporting St. Augustine of Hippo, an historic African American congregation in Galveston, through a long clergy transition. He wants to know and celebrate with St. James’. Let’s extend a warm St. James’ welcome to him and Kathy on August 25.
Peace,
Rev. Eileen
