Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Upper Midwest,

Today the Province sent this letter with an update from the Ecclesiastical Trial Court. The trial concluded on Monday, October 13, and the Court is now in a period of deliberation. It will issue a final written Order within 60 days, on or before December 16.

After waiting for over four years, diocesan witnesses and I had the opportunity to provide perspective on some of the serious concerns brought to our attention over the last several years. (For background, see our FAQs.) I am especially grateful for you, your trust in God, for all those who participated in the trial, and for your prayers.

I know that significant questions remain for many of you. In order to preserve the integrity of the canonical process and uphold pastoral standards, the Court has ordered all parties to refrain from making any comments on the trial proceedings during this period. Once the Court deliberations are complete, it “will make its findings and decisions available to the public in a manner that is respectful, truthful, and in keeping with the Church’s canonical obligations” (Court letter, July 8, 2025).

So, we continue to wait and hope for a clear and just resolution. Please continue to intercede with us for all members of the Trial Court and our Province during this time. Let us keep our eyes fixed on the Lord as we pray:

“Almighty God, you sit on your throne giving righteous judgment: We humbly ask you to bless our Court; give them a spirit of wisdom and understanding, that fearing no power but yours alone, they may discern the truth and impartially administer justice; through him who shall come to be our Judge, your Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.”
-Prayer for Courts of Justice ( Adapted) p.654, BCP 2019

If you are able, please join us to gather before the Lord in worship and prayer next Friday, October 24, at Revive Night, 7-9:30pm, at Church of the Resurrection (IL). No registration is required; just come to meet the Lord in the beauty of his holiness with our diocesan church family.

I give thanks for all of you and for how all of our churches are witnessing to Jesus’ redeeming love in our hurting world.

Love,

+Stewart

Bishop Stewart Ruch III

More from the Upper Midwest

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