The Right Rev. James M. Coleman, Bishop of West Tennessee, is traveling through the churches and campuses of West Tennessee to say goodbye.
Coleman is scheduled to come to The University of Memphis, Sunday, at 6 p.m., to offer his farewell to students and confirm at least two U of M students. A dinner will follow the confirmation service for all who attend.
At the confirmation service Anglicans reaffirm their baptismal vows before family and friends and receive a prayer of dedication and blessing by the Bishop.
Father Samson Gitau, campus minister of the Anglican/Episcopal Student Ministries at Barth House, said Coleman's legacy has already been fermented in his parishioners.
"He is the most popular person we have ever known," Gitau said. "A few weeks ago, a student said sadly, 'We'll never have another Bishop Coleman.'"
Julie Denman, director of congregational support, spoke further about the Bishop's diplomatic abilities.
"He is a healer and a reunifier," Denman said. "He has striven to bring diverse people together."
A native Memphian, Coleman graduated from Christian Brothers High School, where he was named recently as a distinguished alumnist. Coleman received a B.S. from the University of Tennessee; M.Div. from the School of Theology, University of the South, the Certificate in Pastoral Care, North Carolina Baptist Hospital and Doctor of Ministry in Pastoral Theology, Baptist Seminary, Wake Forest, North Carolina. He went on to serve as a campus minister at Georgia Tech and Anus Scott College in Decatur, Ga.
In 1989, Coleman returned to his native Memphis to serve as rector of St. John's Episcopal Church. In 1993, he was nominated as a finalist for Bishop of West Tennessee. He would serve as only the second bishop of the diocese, which was created when the Episcopal Church in Tennessee grew and split into regional dioceses.
Elise Williams, the assistant to Gitau at Barth House Episcopal Church, said she's really been impressed by Coleman's character.
"He is a real gentleman," Williams said. "He holds the doors for ladies. He's just wonderful, supportive, caring, spiritual and loving. He's just wonderful!"
Denman also said Coleman has done a lot for student ministries.
"As a former campus minister, Bishop Coleman is not only tolerant of a diverse community, but he has been very encouraging of new things," said Denman.
In recent years, the Anglican faith has had to deal with such controversial issues as the ordination of female priests, the reproductive rights of women, the rise of the "Tongues Movement" of evangelical Anglicans and the sanctioning of same-sex marriages, as well as the ordination of openly gay priests. While some dioceses have been rocked by turmoil and infighting, many attribute Coleman with a steady leadership style.
"He has striven to steer away from trouble," Gitau said. "He is very conciliatory, while maintaining the integrity of the Anglican faith."
Coleman said after several years as a campus minister and now as bishop, he's been very impressed when dealing with college students.
"There seems to be a real hunger for what I believe the Christian faith offers," Coleman said. "I am always impressed with the search for spiritual depth when I speak with college students."
