FAQs

As we began to work together as a committee, we realized that we needed to name and respond to some of the common myths that exist about our dioceses. This page will become an FAQ but we had to do some myth busting first.

MYTH: Reunification is a DONE DEAL.

FACT: This is a slow paces, prayerful discernment with THREE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES.

  • We remain separate.

  • We share ministries and resources.

  • We become one.

MYTHS: This is a TAKEOVER by Indianapolis. This is DESPERATION by Northern Indiana.

FACT: Both bishops and dioceses have gone into this willingly. This is a collaborative effort, a hope-filled response to the changing landscape of our church and society.

MYTH: If we reunify, the diocese will be “too big” for one bishop, too big for effective care and ministry.

FACT: Even if we reunified we would not be among the larger Episcopal dioceses by either parishes or geography.

MYTH: The parishes in Indianapolis are all VERY LARGE.

FACT: The make-up of the two dioceses is very similar except for the four large (ASA>100) and well-resourced parishes in the metropolitan Indianapolis area.

  • ASA: Northern Indiana - 1,113

  • ASA: Indianapolis minus the large four - 1,784

  • ASA: Indianapolis large four - 850

FACT: Decline in Average Sunday Attendance (ASA) since 2013:

  • Northern Indiana - 49%

  • Indianapolis - 32%

MYTH: This is an outrageous idea. Episcopalians don’t do this kind of thing.

FACTS: Episcopal Diocese and Reunification

  • Duluth and Minnesota reunified - 1994

  • Chicago and Quincy reunified - 2013

  • Texas and North Texas reunified - 2022

  • Three dioceses of Wisconsin - voting on reunification in October 2023

  • Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan - voting on juncture in March 2024

  • Northeast Pennsylvania and Western New York - sharing a bishop

  • Dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania - in discernment

  • Maine, Vermont, and New Hampshire - bishops are diocesan in their home diocese and serving as assisting bishops in the other two while dioceses discern ways forward

FACT: We aren’t alone in this. This committee is in conversation with other dioceses in collaborative discernment processes.

MYTH: Northern Indiana is “The BIRETTA BELT.”

FACT: Bishop Sparks does not own a biretta. (But he’s fine with those who do.)

FACT: There is a range of liturgical styles among congregations in both dioceses. We are united in common prayer and liturgy, and …

MYTHS: The constitution and canons of these two dioceses are exactly the same. Nobody has ever read through both sets of canons.

FACT: Members of the committee have done a detailed comparison identifying areas of similarities and differences. The committee will study best practices and work with leaders in both dioceses when it comes to crafting recommendations.

MYTHS: The bishops and committee will decide on reunification. There will be no opportunity for input.

FACT: The Reunification Committee will only make recommendations. If the process moves toward reunification, the Conventions of both dioceses will have to approve a “union of agreement.”

FACT: We want to hear from you! The Discernment Committee will host a first series of listening sessions during the season of Epiphany. Dates and registrations will be posted soon.