Bishop Whitmore Resigns
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8"
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As the author of Ecclesiastes writes, seasons come and go. I sense that such a passage of seasons has occurred in my life. I believe I am being called to a new position as I try to be faithful to God’s call, namely as Assisting Bishop of the Diocese of Atlanta. I therefore have submitted my resignation as bishop of Eau Claire effective April 15, 2008.
The Standing Committee, the ecclesiastical authority in the absence of a bishop, will meet with Bishop Clay Matthews of the Presiding Bishop’s Office for Pastoral Development on March 18. Bishop Matthews will work with the Standing Committee on all the issues of transition following the Canons of the Episcopal Church and the Diocese of Eau Claire. More information will be sent to the parishes and placed on the Diocesan website as it becomes available.
It has been a joy to serve the people of the Diocese of Eau Claire for the past nine years. Suzie and I are most grateful for the way we were welcomed and included in the Diocesan family. I will continue to keep the Diocese in my prayers during this transition.
In Christ,
The Rt. Rev’d Keith B. Whitmore
Bishop
4 March 2008
Bi-Diocesan Mission
Conference
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