News & Messages

Christmas Message from Bishop Lee

Christmas 2021

"The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." John 1:5
 
In our part of the world, Christmas is celebrated at the darkest, coldest time of the year. We celebrate the Light of Christ coming into this world — Emmanuel, God With Us — just when our physical surroundings are bleakest. This year, like last year, the bleakness might seem even more acute. Although there has been progress, the pandemic we thought, hoped, and prayed might be over is decidedly not. The unrest of the world seems as intractable as ever. Injustices flourish, violence plagues us, the earth itself is in turmoil. And still, we proclaim:
 
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it!
 
I ask you to join me in making this proclamation our way of life. Let us make it real. The darkness of the world is our opportunity to shine brighter than ever. Every act of hope and love, every decision to care for one another, every kindness and act of generosity, every work of justice, every prayer of thanksgiving — they are all proclamations of the truth at the heart of the Christian life:
 
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it!
 
In particular, I encourage every congregation in this diocese to refresh its commitment to the most careful practices we have adopted to keep one another safe. I have been informed by some congregations about their decision to suspend in-person worship at this time in the face of the Omicron surge, a decision I wholeheartedly support. For all of us, let us recommit ourselves to being fully vaccinated as appropriate, to wear masks and practice social distancing if and whenever we gather, to pay very close attention to matters of ventilation and spacing, and to provide virtual worship opportunities whenever possible.
 
Psalm 139 addresses God like this, "Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day." This Christmas, let us rejoice that the Light of Christ shines in every darkness and that we live and move have our being in such a light. God is with us.
 
A holy Christmas to you all.

+Jeff
 
The Rt. Rev. Jeff Lee
Bishop Provisional of Milwaukee

Canon for Finance and Administration Retiring

 December 6, 2021

 To the clergy and parishioners of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee,

I write to you today to announce the retirement of the Rev. Dr. Kevin Huddleston, Canon for Finance and Administration, at the end of this year. Canon Huddleston began serving in this role several months before Bishop Miller’s retirement and his leadership during this transition has been crucial. I’m grateful for Kevin’s work on behalf of the whole diocese, especially in welcoming me to the Diocese of Milwaukee in this time of transition.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people and parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee. I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to contribute to the process of the transition and transformation of our diocese. However, I have discerned that it is time for the diocese to move in a new direction regarding its structure. It is also time for me to transition to a new chapter in my ministry,” said Canon Huddleston. His retirement will be effective December 31, 2021.

I give thanks to God for Canon Huddleston’s ministry and leadership among us. I am grateful for all that he has given to the diocese; we are stronger for the gifts of his ministry. We have begun to reshape the ministry of the Finance Office. The Finance Office has been transitioning from outsourcing the accounting of the diocese to doing the accounting in-house. Caroline Senn has been overseeing this transition since she was hired in late October, and she will be the contact person for any finance-related questions. You may reach her at or 920-757-3173.

Please join me in offering thanks to Canon Huddleston, for his leadership and ministry with us. 

In Christ,

+Jeff

The Rt. Rev. Jeff Lee
Bishop Provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee

Message on the Kyle Rittenhouse Verdict from Bishop Jeff Lee

In the wake of the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse and the verdict rendered, I ask for the prayers of the people of this diocese. I ask your prayers for the souls of those who died in that violence, for their grieving families and friends. I ask your prayers for the people of Kenosha and our sisters and brothers at St. Matthew’s. I ask your prayers for an end to the epidemic of gun violence in this country. I ask your prayers for those who are troubled or outraged or grieved by the outcome of this trial. I ask your prayers for those who are not. I ask your prayers for Kyle Rittenhouse and his family. And I ask your prayers for an end to the inequalities of our society. I ask for your prayers, and I ask all of us to put our prayers into practice. In whatever ways are given to each of us, let us work for a more just and peaceful society — in the name of God.

In Christ,

+Jeff

O Lord our Governor … teach our people to rely on your strength and to accept their responsibilities to their fellow citizens, that they may elect trustworthy leaders and make wise decisions for the well-bent of our society; that we may serve you faithfully in our generation and honor your holy Name. For yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 822)