Friday, January 21, 2011

News update: Bishop Jones to retire

RESTON, VA-- A quick update from our annual diocesan Council (or convention): Suffragan Bishop David Jones announced his retirement in a year. Bishop David has served in this role for 17 years, visiting parishes and much wisdom to the Diocese of Virginia. Suffragan bishops have all of the sacramental authority of bishops, but their duties are set by the diocesan bishop.

In the short time I have been here, I have found Bishop David to be a caring pastor and a wise counselor. He will be very missed.

After the retirement announcement, our diocesan bishop, Shannon Johnston, then called for an election of a new suffragan bishop on April 21, 2012. In the intervening year, candidates will be nominated and a diocesan profile will be developed.

In other news, our own Mildred Robinson was elected 4th alternate deputy to the 2012 General Convention (our national governing body) amidst a crowded field of candidates. The practice of the Diocese of Virginia has been to include alternates in all discussion of issues, so Mildred's elections puts her into the loop of how our diocese works through national and international church issues.

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