Episcopal Press and News

IDAHO: Bishop announces retirement plans

Episcopal News Service. July 27, 2007 [072707-01]

Mary Frances Schjonberg

In a recent letter to the Episcopal Diocese of Idaho, Bishop Harry Bainbridge announced that he will retire by November 2008.

"Last month I celebrated both the 40th anniversary of my ordination as deacon and the 9th anniversary of my consecration as your bishop," Bainbridge, 68, wrote. "While I can serve until my 72nd birthday, it is now my intention to resign as bishop of Idaho, effective with the consecration of my successor. I have asked the Presiding Bishop to be with us for that purpose in November 2008. At that time I will be 69 years old and will have served in our diocese for 10 and a half years."

Earlier this year, Bainbridge spoke in his address to Idaho's diocesan convention of coming changes in the diocese's leadership and called for a transition committee to begin envisioning the diocese's future ministry.

Saying in his recent letter that "we are all on a journey into the Kingdom of God," Bainbridge wrote that the effort is meant to "develop a shared vision of how God is leading us into God's future."

"We seek to determine our role in bringing God's Kingdom into reality now, moving from words to actions," he wrote.

His letter describes the effort's progress thus far and asks for the diocese's continued participation in the work ahead.

"In the next few months your congregation will be asked for more ideas and comments [and] at our diocesan convention this October we will engage in further conversation about our corporate future," Bainbridge wrote. "And we expect to repeat the process next winter as well, with the hope that by next spring together we will have developed a clear picture of where God is calling us to go, how we will move into God's future, and what kind of leadership and resources we need to do this work well."

Bainbridge said his part of the diocese's journey has been "filled with both challenge and opportunity."

"You have graciously ministered to me and taught me," he wrote. "Through it all I have known the Holy Spirit present in your gifts of friendship, leadership, and time, talent, and treasure for the spread of God's Kingdom in our congregations and diocese. It is my privilege to serve in this portion of God's vineyard, and I look forward to the journey we have yet to share."

The Diocese of Idaho comprises about 6,000 Episcopalians worshipping in 30 congregations in the state of Idaho south of the panhandle.