Below is an excerpt from Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's message to the Episcopal Church. Click here to read the full message.
"I have spent many
months in discernment about how I am being called to serve God's people
and God's creation in this season. I have resisted the assumption by
some that presiding bishops can only be elected to serve one term,
knowing the depth of relational work and learning that is involved in
this ministry. There is a tradeoff between the learning curve and the
ability to lead more effectively as a result of developed relationships
both within and beyond this Church. At the same time, I recognize that
standing for election as Presiding Bishop carries the implicit
expectation that one is ready to serve a full term. I do not at present
believe I should serve and lead in this ministry for another nine
years.
I believe I can best
serve this Church by opening the door for other bishops to more freely
discern their own vocation to this ministry. I also believe that I can
offer this Church stronger and clearer leadership in the coming year as
we move toward that election and a whole-hearted engagement with
necessary structural reforms. I will continue to engage us in becoming a
more fully diverse Church, spreading the gospel among all sorts and
conditions of people, and wholeheartedly devoted to God's vision of a
healed and restored Creation.
