Diocese thanks Bishop Taylor, Canon O’Connor

Los Angeles Bishop John Harvey Taylor — who was ordained and consecrated to the episcopate nine years ago today — and his spouse, Canon Kathy O’Connor were saluted Thursday, July 2, by diocesan staff gathered for a farewell Eucharist and luncheon at St. Paul’s Commons, Echo Park.

“Today our focus is not simply to mark an ending, but to give thanks for faithful stewardship,” said the Rev. Canon John Watson, interim diocesan canon, in his homily during the Eucharist. “for vision joined with humility, for leadership grounded in the Gospel, and for a ministry that has consistently sought to point beyond itself to Christ. As Bishop John enters this next chapter, we pray that the same God, who has sustained his ministry will now grant him rest, joy, and new opportunities for service.” (See homily text below.)

Taylor on July 11 will conclude his ministry as bishop of Los Angeles by passing the diocesan crozier, or pastoral staff, to his successor, Bishop-elect Antonio J. Gallardo L., during his consecration at All Saints Church, Pasadena (related stories above).

The diocesan and regional community has expressed its appreciation to Taylor and O’Connor in various ways, including recognition at L.A. City Hall by Mayor Karen Bass and other civic and faith leaders; a gala banquet hosted at St. John’s Cathedral by the multicultural ministries of the diocese (opens in a new tab); an annual scholarship at Neighborhood Youth Association (opens in a new tab), a diocesan institution, an award for which more than $40,000 has been raised; an honorary doctorate from Claremont School of Theology (opens in a new tab); and a commemorative photo album from the diocesan Transitions Committee (opens in a new tab). Numerous congregations also have expressed their gratitude to Taylor and O’Connor.

Coverage of Bishop Taylor’s consecration is here (opens in a new tab); video highlights of consecration service are here. (opens in a new tab)

Homily Text

What do you say in a few minutes by one preacher what could take hours to say of many were involved about the life and ministry of Bishop John. I ma the in the distinct disadvantage of only having known Bishop John and Kathy for a short time — really since my arrival here in October 2023. But even in that short period I have seen the impact you have made — the was in which your friendship had overcome barriers that existed, that your humility has overcome some of the fear that was present, that your welcome to all has overcome some of the uncertainty of the past.

I thought what better way to reflect on Bishop John’s ministry than think a little about the Apostle John, namesake – but also like shining a light on your ministry.

In the Lindisfarne Gospels, John Gospel is represented by the eagle. It is an ancient image, one that captures something distinctive about his Gospel. The eagle soars higher than the other creatures. It sees further. John’s Gospel begins not in Bethlehem but before creation itself: “In the beginning was the Word.” It invites us to see the world from God’s perspective.

But the eagle does not remain in the heavens. It swoops to earth. John’s Gospel moves from the heights of eternity to water becoming wine, tears at a friend’s grave, feet washed around a supper table, bread broken, lives restored. The highest theology is always expressed in the most tangible acts of love.

That movement—from vision to incarnation—is also one way of describing faithful episcopal ministry.

A bishop is called to help the Church see beyond the immediate horizon: to discern where the Holy Spirit is leading, to hold before us the larger purposes of God, and to encourage us not simply to preserve the Church we have inherited but to become the Church God is calling into being.

Yet that vision must always return to the ground—to real congregations, real clergy, real communities, real struggles and real hopes. It must be expressed in presence, in listening, in encouragement, in difficult decisions, and in acts of pastoral care.

Over these years, Bishop John has sought to hold those two together. He has consistently reminded us that the Church exists not for itself but for God’s mission. He has encouraged us to engage our communities with courage rather than fear, to embrace complexity without losing hope, and to remember that the Gospel always calls us outward in love.

Like the eagle of St John, he has invited us to look beyond the immediate, while never losing sight of the people entrusted to our care.

There is one final image from John’s Gospel that seems especially fitting. Jesus says, “I have glorified you on earth by finishing the work that you gave me to do.” Not completing every task—that is impossible in the life of the Church—but faithfully finishing the work entrusted for this season.

Every episcopate is, ultimately, provisional. Bishops plant trees whose shade they will never sit beneath. They begin conversations others will continue. They help shape a future they themselves may not see.

And so today our focus is not simply to mark an ending, but to give thanks for faithful stewardship—for vision joined with humility, for leadership grounded in the Gospel, and for a ministry that has consistently sought to point beyond itself to Christ.

As Bishop John enters this next chapter, we pray that the same God who has sustained his ministry will now grant him rest, joy, and new opportunities for service. And we pray that we, who remain, may continue to look with the vision of the eagle, while keeping our feet firmly on the ground, following the One who is both the eternal Word and the Word made flesh.

Amen.

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