The office of Bishop Suffragan has two faces, and there is tension between them. First and most important, a suffragan is a bishop. Bishops are called and ordained to oversee the church, to provide clear leadership and compassionate pastoral care. Second, the particular ministry of a suffragan is to support the ministry of the diocesan. It is an assisting ministry.
Canonical jurisdiction rests solely with the diocesan.
Having served for twenty years as rector of two parishes before consecration as Bishop Suffragan of Connecticut, I will testify that it took me some time to adjust to the canonical realities of the ministry of suffragan. With God's grace and good health, I hope to serve as Bishop of Connecticut for some time. My deepest desire is to build and form deep, life-giving companionship among our bishops for the episcopal ministry in Connecticut and the whole Church. The episcopate, I firmly believe, is a special gift to the Church, to promote the dynamic unity, mission and ministry in which we live for the sake of Jesus Christ, our God. It is a joy, and it is demanding.