Nov. 15, 2013 [Standing Committee News Release]: The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts voted unanimously last night to accept a Sept. 13, 2014, resignation date for Bishop M. Thomas Shaw, SSJE. This date coincides with the scheduled consecration of his successor, converting the election on April 5, 2014, from an election of a bishop coadjutor (who would have served alongside Bishop Shaw for a period of overlap) to an election of a bishop diocesan (who will assume episcopal authority directly upon Bishop Shaw’s resignation of office). Bishop Shaw’s announcement of his decision to resign his office on Sept. 13 was made during his spiritual reflections at the annual Diocesan Convention on Nov. 2.
Bishop Shaw’s announcement comes at a good time in the process for seeking his successor. The timing allows the Discernment Committee, currently discerning a slate of candidates for election as bishop, to focus on qualifications and characteristics particular to a bishop diocesan, without issues of shared episcopal authority. The lack of an overlap between bishops also will mean savings in terms of salary.
“This announcement actually is advantageous to the election and transition process,” commented Standing Committee President James Wagner. “Bishop Shaw’s decision allows the diocese a fresh start, under new leadership, with savings also of diocesan financial resources.”
The Standing Committee is responsible for governance and oversight of the election process, which is implemented through a Discernment Committee, tasked with discerning a slate of candidates for election, and a Transition Committee, tasked with running the election, consecration, and transition to new episcopal leadership.
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Almighty God, giver of every good gift: We thank you for the gift of your Son, Jesus Christ, and for the witness of your whole church in his name. We thank you for your Holy Spirit, empowering us for ministry. So guide the hearts and minds of all those who shall choose a bishop in this diocese and those who will respond to the call, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for your people. May our discernment transform our spirits and draw us closer to you, Almighty God. Amen.
Dios omnipotente, dador de todo buen don, te damos gracias por la bendición de tu Hijo Jesucristo y por el testimonio de toda tu iglesia en su nombre. Te damos gracias por tu Santo Espíritu que nos otorga el poder para realizar el ministerio. Te pedimos que guíes los corazones y las mentes de las personas que han de elegir al próximo obispo u obispa para esta diócesis y también a aquellas personas que van a responder al llamado de Dios, para que de esa manera recibamos a ese pastor o pastora que cuide a tu pueblo. Que nuestro discernimiento transforme nuestro espíritu y nos acerque a ti, Dios omnipotente. Amén.
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