Maryland’s new assistant bishop: The perspective of a “recovering person”

WMAR-ABC in Baltimore is among news outlets now reporting on the Right Reverend Chilton Knudsen, the assistant bishop chosen to succeed Heather Cook in the Diocese of Maryland, and her particular perspective as a recovering alcoholic.

“Her recovery is central to her ministry,” says the report, which includes an interview with Dan Webster, diocese spokesperson, who says, “we have a lot to learn around these issues, and she’s going to really help us do that.”

“One of my commitments is to promote a clear understanding that addiction can cause people to do very terrible things,” Knudsen said.  “But addiction by itself is not an indicator of moral inferiority.”

While her experience may be similar to Cook’s, Knudsen is very open about her recovery, and is extremely active turning that part of her life into a way to inspire others.  She thinks it will be a strength in her new role.

“I bring the perspective that I have as a recovering person, but also a palette of other experience and expertise, all of which is informed by the spiritual disciplines of recovery,” Knudsen said.

More on the bishop’s appointment on Episcopal Cafe is here.

More media coverage of Knudsen’s ministry and recovery:

CBS in Baltimore

Posted by Cara Ellen Modisett

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