Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has announced the upcoming
retirement of Bishop James "Jay" Magness, the Sixth Bishop Suffragan for
Armed Services and Federal Ministries of The Episcopal Church. Bishop
Magness has served in this position since June 2010. Prior to that, he
served as Canon to the Ordinary here in Southern Virginia."Bishop Magness has brought a new level of clarity, effectiveness, and responsiveness to the office, and has increased recruitment and raised awareness of the ministry of federal chaplains around The Episcopal Church," Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori said. "He will be difficult to replace, and I am grateful this careful process of seeking a successor has begun."
"While continuing to enjoy good health and the thorough satisfaction of this ministry, I am keenly aware that I am approaching the age of mandatory retirement," Bishop Magness commented. "It has been a privilege to have served as the Sixth Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services and Federal Ministries, and an honor to serve our chaplains and their families. As we move into a promising future I am confident that our church will choose a wise leader as our Seventh Bishop Suffragan for the Armed Services and Federal Ministries."
