We reported in 2012 that the Diocese of Lexington had elected the Revd W Douglas Hahn as its next bishop diocesan. Earlier this year we reported that Bishop Hahn was stepping away from his office for a period of repentance, retreat and reflection after it was revealed that he had had a previously undisclosed extramarital affair with an adult female parishioner at a time in the past. His agreement to step away was the result of negotiation between Bishop Hahn and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. A few days later we reported a statement from Dio Lexington that said that Bishop Hahn had intentionally withheld information regarding the extramarital affair from the Dio Lexington committee that had been searching for a new bishop. Soon after these revelations, Dio Lexington held a special convention at which the clergy & laity voted to call the Rt Revd Bruce Caldwell, former bishop diocesan of the Diocese of Wyoming, as bishop provisional for Dio Lexington. Finally, this past OCT we reported that the Standing Committee of Dio Lexington had voted to dissolve the episcopal relationship between Bishop Hahn and the diocese. Friday, 16 DEC 2016, the diocese released the following statement;
December 16, 2016
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Diocese of Lexington:
A blessed Advent to you.
After a period of discernment and mediation, the Standing Committee of the Diocese and the Right Reverend W. Douglas Hahn have reached an agreement regarding his tenure as the Bishop Diocesan. On March 10, 2017, Bishop Hahn will tender his resignation as Bishop of Lexington to the Presiding Bishop.
“I am grateful for my time serving alongside you, the clergy and people of the Diocese of Lexington,” writes Bishop Hahn. “You will be in my prayers as you continue to serve God’s mission in Lexington and beyond.”
The members of the Standing Committee state, “Bishop Hahn has pastoral gifts that will well serve another diocese or ministry. We will continue to pray for him as his future endeavors unfold.”
“We are thankful that the Right Reverend Bruce Caldwell will continue to serve ably as Bishop Provisional for the foreseeable future,” adds the Standing Committee.
Please continue to pray for the Church and all involved.
The Diocese of Lexington posted the joint statement on its website.