is the eighth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane. A native of Ohio he holds a Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Divinity degrees from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. Before entering seminary, he served in the U. S. Navy for six years and as Director of a Community Action Child Development program. He and his wife, Gloria, have two adult sons.
Prior to his election as bishop, Bishop Waggoner served 21 years in the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, 12 in parish ministry and nine on the Bishop’s staff as Canon to the Ordinary, Congregational and Community Consultant, and Deployment Officer. James Waggoner
is the eighth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane. A native of Ohio he holds a Doctor of Ministry, and Doctor of Divinity degrees from the Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, VA. Before entering seminary, he served in the U. S. Navy for six years and as Director of a Community Action Child Development program. He and his wife, Gloria, have two adult sons.
Prior to his election as bishop, Bishop Waggoner served 21 years in the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, 12 in parish ministry and nine on the Bishop’s staff as Canon to the Ordinary, Congregational and Community Consultant, and Deployment Officer. Bishop's Notes
A Thought in August
Last evening Gloria and I watched a presentation that included video of European Cathedrals, emphasizing their historic significance and grandeur. It was a moving reminder of the tremendous efforts and expenses contributed to build a house for God.
In our Morning Prayer Old Testament reading this morning from 2 Samuel we hear that the Lord instructed Nathan [...]
Bishop's Notes | General Convention
Reflections on General Convention
I always come back from General Convention weary, but uplifted. I am uplifted again this convention by the experience of the church still learning how to be the church for our day and time, and for the future. This is such a Biblical enterprise, from the wandering Israelites through the early church at Pentecost. We [...]
General Convention
Bishop’s Blog – July 16 – Compassionate Process
Again at this convention I have been reminded that the process for making decisions is as important as the decisions made.
In the midst of a much more positive tone and atmosphere in the House of Bishops it is clear that certain decisions toward being and open and inclusive church could pass without extended debate. For [...]
Bishop's Notes
Bishop’s Blog #1 — July 11, 2009
I am taking the lunch time to blog a bit, having wanted to do so since arrival, but not finding time within the daily schedule to offer comments that might be coherent.
In addition to the regular schedule of committee meetings and legislative sessions, I am also one of the people who presented my public narrative [...]
Bishop's Notes
New visions in northern Idaho
The theme for my visit to St. Mary’s, Bonners Ferry and Holy Spirit Church, Dover/Sandpoint this past weekend was clearly New Development for New Vision. On Saturday we gathered at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s to dedicate and consecrate the beautifully done addition to the building that will now serve as a much needed [...]
Bishop's Notes
Openness to the spirit sustains and grows us
Owning pipelines, people, products, or even intellectual property is no longer the key to success. Openness is.
—What Would Google Do
Though I have at times been accused of being too open, I continue to believe it is the right posture for listening to the leading of the Spirit.
A few weeks ago we celebrated the Feast of [...]
Bishop's Notes
Fourteen confirmations, three baptisms, and one reception
Had we not heard the Bible readings for Pentecost yesterday, testimony to the Spirit would have still been pervasive and undeniable. With 14 Confirmations, Three Baptisms, and one Reception, representing St. John’s Cathedral, Holy Trinity, Spokane, and St. James, Cashmere, amidst music that transported one heavenward (not an exaggeration), [...]
Bishop's Notes
A weekend in the Tri-Cities
Once again this weekend the strong Spirit within congregations shone brightly. Amidst the economic challenges we all face, the congregation of St. Paul’s, Kennewick, let by an optimistic and enthusiastic Rector and Vestry, celebrated the day with Confirmations, Reaffirmations and Renewal of Baptismal Vows that signified greater emphasis on future possibilities than distress over persistent [...]
Bishop's Notes
Transition and fullness are reasons to be thankful
The word at St. Paul’s, Walla Walla was transition, from winter to spring, as evidenced by the tulip magnolias now in full bloom, and the startup of a new ministry now in fruitful partnership between Rector Birch Rambo and the people of St. Paul’s. Both transitions defined by openness to the future and readiness for [...]
Bishop's Notes
Reflections on Easter
Easter was in the air and in its fullness of festive celebration at St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday, where I presided at the Eucharist; it was also throughout the Diocese in our widespread vibrant congregations.
Reflecting on uplifting reports I’ve received, I am aware of the great distance we traveled from Maundy Thursday through Sunday morning [...]
