The Rev. Daniel Rohan, pastor at St. Mark Orthodox Church in Liberty and member of the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Mahoning County.

The Rev. Daniel Rohan, pastor at St. Mark Orthodox Church in Liberty and member of the Eastern Orthodox Clergy Association of Mahoning County.
"I have an opportunity for dialogue between Roman Catholic and Orthodox in the Society of St. John Chrysostom," he said, noting the importance of an exchange of ideas among people of faith.
"The new bishop seems to be open to dialogue, and that will be positive for the community," Father Rohan said. "I think he will have a lot on his plate ... and have to deal with the reality of fewer clergy and possibility of consolidating churches."
The Rev. Lewis Macklin, pastor of Holy Trinity Missionary Baptist Church and information officer of the Baptist Pastors Council.
"I think Bishop Murry will bring new skills and gifts to the table and a new dynamic and fresh perspective," Rev. Mr. Macklin said.
"We've participated in ecumenical events and know they strengthen interfaith ties. If past history is any indication, that will continue," he said.
"The Catholic community has always been responsible and responsive to community needs," Mr. Macklin said, noting he believed Bishop Murry would continue that legacy. "I think he will understand the challenges here," he said, referring to new bishop's experience in urban churches.
Bonnie Deutsch Burdman, director of community relations for the Jewish Community Relations Council, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
"I think there is a lot of excitement and anticipation about the appointment of a new bishop. The Jewish community and Catholic diocese have partnered in the community on programs for Martin Luther King Day and the genocide in Darfur," she said. "There was an ecumenical effort with Bishop Tobin, and Bishop Malone was known for that." Burdman said, while noting she believed that interchange would continue.
"When the movie, "The Passion [of Christ]," was out, we had honest and good dialogue," she added.
"I think it says a lot for the church in general and for the diocese that he is an African-American. He will bring an urban background that will give him valuable insights into this community," Burdman said.
*Elsie Dursi, executive director of Mahoning Valley Association of Churches.
"Along with our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters, we look forward to the leadership of the incoming Bishop George Murry. We are encouraged by his impressive background in both education and experience," Dursi said. "Bishop Murry's remarks at the time of the announcement of his appointment give us confidence that he will be a concerned, intelligent leader. God has prepared this faithful servant for working here in our Valley, and for that we are grateful."
Shirley Megown, president of Church Women United.
"I'd like to see more interaction among people in the faith community. I'd like to see more joint services."
"I think he will be good for the diocese. He brings an aspect of diversity. But it's not an easy town. It's a challenge to bring people together," she said.
"There's a priest shortage ... just like there is a shortage of ministers in other denominations. People aren't choosing the religious life."