On Friday Bishop Gordon Scruton announced his intention to retire as the bishop of Western Massachusetts in 2012. Bishop Scruton has served 15 years in the diocese, having been elected in 1996.
““It has been an extraordinary gift and privilege to walk with all of you, as God has led us through the challenges of this time in history. After much prayer and reflection, it is now time for me to announce my retirement as bishop of this diocese,” said Bishop Scruton, in a letter sent to the Diocesan Council, the clergy, and members of the local Episcopal Church. “It is time to seek God’s guidance for a new bishop to lead you into the next chapter of life and ministry in western Massachusetts.””
From here.
The Episcopal News Service coverage of the announcement is here, and includes links to Bishop Scruton’s letter to his diocese and an explanation of the process that will be followed to elect his successor.
There’s additional coverage of the bishop’s announcement here.