In a letter posted on the diocesan website this morning, Bishop Johnston announced his intention to resign and retire.
“After many months of intense prayer and reflection, and in close consultation with the Presiding Bishop and our Standing Committee, I am formally announcing that I have decided to resign my office and ministry as Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia effective November 3, 2018, prior to the adjournment of our annual convention. I will then serve the diocese in a consulting capacity to facilitate the transition to new leadership. I will fully retire effective July 1, 2019, having served over twelve years as a bishop in this diocese…
“My reasons for reaching this decision that a change of leadership is now good and wise begin with the fact that I feel that I have given my all. Quite simply, “the time” has come. I truly believe that I have done all that I can to accomplish what I feel I was called here to do. And so, I am convinced that it is now time for new vision and new energy for the Church in our diocese.”
Bishop Johnston’s letter ends speculation which began this past May when he announced that the diocese would be ending its search for a second bishop suffragan in order to focus on leadership issues among the diocesan staff. (The Cafe’s previous coverage is here.)
Johnston was consecrated as Bishop Coadjutor in May of 2007, and became diocesan on the retirement of Bishop Peter J. Lee in late 2009.