In a letter to his diocese, Bishop Todd Ousely of Eastern Michigan states that he will be stepping down as diocesan bishop to take up the role being vacated by Bishop Clay Matthews who is retiring.
In his letter he writes;
“Now is the time for me to enter a new season of ministry and for you to enter your own new season as well.
On March 30th, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry called me to join his staff as Bishop for Pastoral Development. This new ministry will allow me to continue serving the church with my passion for discerning the intersection of vocation and location — the imaginative and Spirit-filled discovery of the right persons in the right place at the right time for the ministry that God is calling us to engage. As Bishop for Pastoral Development, I will minister with and on behalf of the Presiding Bishop as chaplain to bishops and their families, facilitator of elections and transitions of bishops, overseer of the disciplinary and reconciliation processes with bishops and dioceses, and collaborator with the formation ministry of the College for Bishops.”
In a letter on behalf of the diocese’s Standing Committee, the Rev Dan Schneid writes;
“The Diocese of Eastern Michigan is an innovative and resilient branch of the Jesus Movement. The ministry of the diocese and our great congregations continues without pause. We have a fine group of leaders on our Standing Committee and Diocesan Council, as well as the support of an outstanding diocesan staff. Our history is one of meeting challenges with creativity and flexibility and we will continue doing this over the next several months.
On June 30th, Bishop Ousley will officially resign his jurisdiction as bishop of the Diocese of Eastern Michigan. At that point, the Standing Committee will become the Ecclesiastical Authority. This shifts all authority and responsibility of the bishop to that canonical body, except those responsibilities reserved for a bishop such as ordinations and confirmation.
The Standing Committee and I are in contact with the Rt. Rev. Clay Matthews, Bishop for the Office of Pastoral Care of the Episcopal Church, who supports dioceses in transition. As we work to formalize the transition plan, we will keep you informed of developments through regular email communications as well as through the new Transition page of our diocesan website.”
The Office of the Bishop for Pastoral Development reports directly to the Presiding Bishop and serves as chaplain to all bishops and their families as well as working with the Presiding Bishop on issues related to pastoral care
Among the responsibilities for the Bishop for the Office of Pastoral Development:
• Provide confidential non-judgmental listening, counsel, guidance, direction and support in crisis and disaster intervention: bereavement counseling, as well as conflict resolution.
• Participate with the Planning Committee for the House of Bishops gatherings and meetings in an ex officio capacity.
• Responsible for the process of Title III, including the pastoral functions such as pastoral guidance and training.
• In Title IV responsibilities, focus on pastoral and coordinator roles and ensure that the process moves in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Provide oversight of the Episcopal Search Processes churchwide, which includes providing materials and support for the Episcopal Election Process.