Bishop Alan M. Gates announced on May 13 that the Rev. Canon Mally Lloyd, who has served as canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Massachusetts since December 2008, will be stepping down in mid-September. The text of his letter to the diocesan community follows.
Dear People of the Diocese of Massachusetts,
I write to announce an impending diocesan staff change. Canon Mally Lloyd, who has served faithfully and exceptionally as canon to the ordinary since December 2008, will be stepping down in mid-September.
Mally's ministry of leadership over these nearly seven years has been one of counsel and
Tracy J. Sukraw
The Rev. Canon Mally Lloyd
connection to so many, through her oversight of operations and staff and through her expertise in numerous areas critical to our shared organizational life, from congregational development to the pastoral, canonical and financial processes of the church at all levels. Her skills and devotion have been in particular evidence during these past two years of intense transition, including the time of Bishop Shaw’s illness and these first months of my episcopate.
I remain determined to use my initial time as your bishop to listen and learn before inaugurating new programs or making major structural or staffing changes. However, as I think about the future shape and direction of our diocesan mission and ministry, and my own approach to that planning process, I have concluded that this is the right time for a transition in this most key staff position. Mally and I have discerned the implementation of my decision together and with a high level of mutual respect.
I expect soon to appoint an acting chief of staff to begin mid-summer. Mally will spend the summer months wrapping up projects that are in process and devoting time to a smooth hand-off of responsibilities. The clergy will have an opportunity to offer thanks to Mally at our fall Clergy Day on Sept. 29. An occasion for the wider diocesan community to do the same will be announced.
I extend my deep personal gratitude to Mally for her devoted service to God’s people in this diocese, and to me in this past year, and invite God’s blessing on the next chapter of her life in Christ.
Faithfully,
The Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates