In Rhode Island, it's the dawn of a new era for Lutherans and Episcopalians.

While most all of our relations with the Episcopal church in New England have been stellar for years, the Ocean State has been lacking. I'll not bore you with the history. But, today, is a new beginning. The new Bishop, Rev. W. Nick Knisely was consecrated today at St. George's School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island.

I was on hand to participate in the laying on of hands, as is the pattern now with our Common agreement with the Episcopal church. They come to our installations of new bishops, and we attend their consecrations. (I'm off to another in two weeks in Springfield, MA)

Prior to the worship service, I was invited to join a round table with Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori and a host of other purple shirts. (Jon Niketh, you will be pleased to know I wore my new Almy purple - I looked the part and behaved myself...well, mostly) The discussion ranged on many Episcopal matters, as well as concerns of mission, the future, Palestinians, the US election and a few other top secret negotiations that I cannot reveal. (However, if bribed with Starbuck's Capuccinos I might be persuaded.)

The most significant event followed when Nick approached me and the first words out of his mouth were, "I really want to partner with the Lutherans." Hallelujiah, the heavens opened! (Rhode Island Lutherans will know what good news this is to hear) So we are off to a grand start, which will next include lunch between Nick and I in December.

In addition to bishoping around the ocean state, Nick is also an Astronomer and Physicist, so I am looking forward to great discussions on Science and Religion, a topic I've become increasingly invested.

He is another Digital Bishop and you can follow him on Twitter at wnknisely as well as his blog www.entangledstates.org.