Friend. Colleague. Counselor. Saint. These words describe Dennis Tieney. So does this: faithful steward. Dennis was gifted at many things, and he shared his gifts freely with our Diocese. Of all of those gifts, perhaps it is his deep passion for stewardship that will continue to bear fruit far beyond the bounds of his mortal life.

After retiring from parish ministry, Dennis served as the Property Manager of our Diocese. In that role, Dennis tirelessly worked with the bishop, Governing Bodies, and congregations to ensure that as a Diocese, we faithfully steward the assets entrusted to us for the building up of God’s reign in Western Washington. No challenge was too small or large for Dennis. Whether it was a question about basic building maintenance or structuring complex land lease agreements, Dennis relished the opportunity to offer his wisdom to others. Dennis may have retired from active parish ministry, but as the Property Manager, Dennis would discover the need to lean into every pastoral gift he had honed during his long vocation as a priest. That was especially true for the renovations of Diocesan House. When clear direction was needed to project stakeholders, Dennis offered it. When comfort of those same key stakeholders was needed, Dennis provided that. Without his tireless efforts, this once-in-a-generation project would not be possible.

Dennis accumulated many artifacts as Property Manager, including a large bag of keys. A few are for spaces Dennis would frequent. Some unlock buildings that no longer exist. Others are unlabeled. What they open will remain a mystery to the rest of us. But somewhere in that bag is another key, perhaps the most important of all. It’s a key that opens up the household of God. Dennis knew what that key looked like and he used it every day to visit with God. He knew that each of us holds that same key too. May we have the courage to use it in the same way Dennis did.

It is with great pleasure that I present the Bishop’s Cross award to The Rev. Dr. Dennis Tierney.