From Massachusetts-After leading the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts for almost two decades, Bishop M. Thomas Shaw announced Tuesday he will retire in the next couple of years and the time has come for the diocese to start planning the election of his successor.
MetroWest clergy called Shaw an excellent leader who helped guide the diocese of 185 parishes through periods of transition, while still promoting the church's mission.
"It’s hard to imagine him not being our bishop anymore," said the Rev. Julie Carson, rector of St. Andrew's in Framingham. "He’s a very kind and wise pastoral leader with a lot of savvy for dealing with churches in a time of transition. I think the diocese is better off because of him."
Shaw, 67, announced in a letter he would like the election of the bishop coadjutor, his successor, to take place at a special convention on April 5, 2014. According to the diocese's website, after the successor is consecrated in the fall of 2014, he or she will work with Shaw before he retires. His retirement date has not been determined.
"I love being your bishop and it is an honor to serve you," Shaw said in the letter. "These years have been some of the richest years of my life. All of you and this work have taught me much about myself and the nature of our loving God for which I will always be grateful."
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http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1503802058/Episcopalians-sound-off-on-bishops-call-to-elect-successor#ixzz2IEcSbp4u
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