A PROCLAMATION
The Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota
WHEREAS, Henry Benjamin Whipple, born on this date in the year 1822 in Adams, New York, was consecrated as the first Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Minnesota in the year 1859; and
WHEREAS, Bishop Whipple’s episcopate extended a remarkable forty two years, until the time of his death on September 16, 1901; and
WHEREAS, his extraordinary missionary spirit and zeal to carry the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people forever shaped the mission and character of this Diocese; and
WHEREAS, he was an internationally-known advocate for oppressed people and,
at a time of tension and violence between Native and European Americans due to the westward expansion of the United States, he especially used his influence to advocate for Indian people and against the injustices committed upon them in the 19th Century; and
WHEREAS, the Episcopalians in Minnesota of this new Millennium, are beneficiaries of the momentum for mission begun by the people of the parishes, missions and schools of the Church of Whipple’s time; and
WHEREAS the history of their sacrifices, examples and faith stories can a source of renewed commitment to ministry and service;
THEREFORE, I, +JAMES LOUIS JELINEK, VIII BISHOP OF MINNESOTA, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM That this Year of Our Lord, 2001, shall be celebrated in the Diocese of Minnesota as "The Whipple Year."
Further, I encourage all the members of this Diocese to take advantage of the opportunities that will follow to learn about the remarkable stories of faith and ministry that have characterized the work of the Church in Minnesota, without interruption, from the time of Henry Benjamin Whipple to this present day.
And, in so doing, I invite all to join me in making a commitment to reach out to all people, with renewed zeal, as humble servants of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I hereto set my hand on this Fifteenth Day of
February, in the Year of our Lord, 2001./s/ The Right Reverend James Louis Jelinek,
VII Bishop of Minnesota