When the Spirit Says Begin Again

There are moments when the Spirit whispers. And then there are moments when the Spirit makes it unmistakably clear. This is one of those moments.

As Bishop of the Diocese of the Eastern United States, I’ve spent time listening to people who are searching. Not for performance. Not for perfection. But for a spiritual home that feels alive.

When St. Luke’s paused before the pandemic, we didn’t know what was next. We just knew God wasn’t done. And now we’re starting to dream again.

Recently, I sat down with Father Michael Parks, our Pastor, and a small group of leaders to ask a bold question. What could worship look like right now? Not in theory. In practice. For real people living real lives.

We imagined something new.
Worship that holds the beauty of the Eucharist but speaks in a language people actually understand.
Liturgy that honors the sacred without making anyone feel like they don’t belong.
Gatherings that are reverent but also honest, creative, and open.

This is what Independent Catholicism allows us to explore. We are rooted in the sacraments. We uphold apostolic succession. But we are not bound by outdated structures or systems.

We are not trying to replicate the past.
We are building something grounded and bold.
Something that reflects the reality of today while holding space for mystery.

We are forming our launch team now. If you’ve ever longed for a church where the table is open, where your voice matters, where worship feels like real life meeting the sacred, we want to talk.

This is not a return. This is a renewal.

+Bishop Ryan Cox