Research

The Episcopal Identity Project has been a remarkable experience. Many facets of my life passions are tapped by this work – as a Christian, as a scholar of organizations, and as a student of the divine nature of identity. And I couldn’t ask for better colleagues, whom I consider dear friends. Heartfelt thanks to all those participants who shared their ideas and insights with us throughout this journey.

To me, the Episcopal Identity Project is, purely and simply, a blessing. As a researcher, one always hopes to find a project that resonates with one’s academic and personal interests. To find a project that also provides unconditional access, terrific colleagues, and some of the most interesting people one could hope for truly is a blessing. I am grateful to the CREDO Institute and the College for Bishops for their belief in and support of this project, and to the hundreds of Church leaders and members who have shared with us their insights, emotions and time.

Without any exaggeration, my work on this project has been one of the highlights of my life. As one who grew up in a Methodist and Episcopalian family, a former minister, and now an organizational researcher, I have been moved on many levels as I have interacted with a broad representation of the Church during these historic times. It has been a privilege to listen as leaders and members alike honestly and openly describe their deep connections with the Church—for a diversity of reasons and with a variety of emotions—but always from the heart a phenomenal caring about how an organization's identity impacts its mission.