Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Bishop Conley's recent letter, "A Future With Hope," presents a candid account of his personal struggle with mental health. The bishop uses the metaphor of the moon's waxing and waning to illustrate his journey through periods of darkness and loss of joy. He writes, “As I grappled with this question amid the darkness and loss of joy, the moon in the desert sky became a powerful symbol to me. Because the moon waxes and wanes, there are a few days in the lunar cycle when it disappears from view. It is still there, of course, but the naked eye can’t see it.”

In response to Bishop Conley's letter, I find myself reflecting on our long-standing friendship that spans over 40 years. We first met when I was in college and he was a young priest in Wichita. Our bond strengthened during my tenure at the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry where we organized a diocesan pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Denver in 1993.

Our shared experiences have given me insight into Bishop Conley's life beyond what he has revealed in his letter. He has always been an upbeat person who exudes positivity and optimism about life. His zest for life is evident even in simple things like his excitement over discovering foldable chairs at an outdoor music festival after returning from Rome.

However, witnessing his battle with anxiety and depression was heart-wrenching. The fear and uncertainty that plagued him were palpable as he grappled with questions like 'What if I don’t get better?' or 'What if I never return to active ministry?'

Despite these struggles, Bishop Conley’s commitment to meeting people where they are remains unwavering. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life is one of his most admirable qualities. Whether discussing sports or music with young adults or learning about Taylor Swift from my daughters, he always shows genuine interest.

Bishop Conley's letter serves as a reminder that healing does not occur when we keep our wounds hidden. His courage to share his story invites us all on a journey towards wholeness and holiness. As he continues his journey, he reminds us of the words from “Harold and the Purple Crayon” by Crockett Johnson: “Then suddenly, Harold remembered. He remembered where his bedroom window was… It was always right around the moon.”