Dear Siblings in Christ in the Diocese of Virginia –
The Reverend Canon Chanta Bhan, who began her ministry as Canon for Discipleship in the Diocese of Virginia in the autumn of 2023, is departing this position. After much good and prayer-supported conversation over the past couple of weeks in which she and I have discussed what God may be calling her to do in ministry, we have agreed that her resignation will be effective as of today. Canon Bhan asked that the following be shared on her behalf with the people of this diocese:
Dear Fellow Jesus Followers in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia,
Thank you so much for opening your hearts toward me as I entered the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia to serve as Canon for Discipleship. In prayer, worship, and reflection, I have enjoyed visits and fellowship with you across the wider diocese. We have shared memorable insights during formation conversations and, most recently, during a program about Spirituals! In this season, I have discovered a deeper longing to celebrate and administer sacraments in my priestly vocation while serving at a local parish. With discernment, I am departing from my current role as Canon for Discipleship to continue my sacramental and priestly role. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Bishops and Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. I look forward to our continuing to get to know one another on this new journey. Following Jesus on this road to Emmaus is sometimes labyrinthine, taking many twists and turns; and, all that matters is that we are walking with him.
Blessings,
Chanta+
I am thankful for Chanta’s time with us on staff; and I am also thankful that we will be able to continue to work together in new ways as we live into the ministry that God has, and will, put before us. I ask your prayers for Canon Bhan as she enters this new stage of her journey with Jesus.
More information will follow as to the calling of a successor for Canon Bhan, but it is my plan at this time to move quickly to appoint an Interim Canon so that the work that has begun may be continued, and the work yet to be discerned may be discovered and raised up.
May God bless us all in this season of Easter, remembering that we are called to Love Jesus, Embody Justice, and Be Disciples.
Yours in Christ,
The Right Reverend E. Mark Stevenson, Bishop of Virginia