Are Full Time Bishops for Small Dioceses on the Way Out?
Are Full Time Bishops for Small Dioceses on the Way Out?
News Analysis
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
January 17, 2011
The Bishop of North Dakota, Michael Smith has written a letter to members of the Gethsemane Cathedral Chapter and the North Dakota Diocesan Council telling them that the idea of a Bishop/Rector, or in this case a Bishop/Dean, model of ministry is the way forward for his financially strapped diocese. He suggests it might be the way forward for an increasing number of dioceses across The Episcopal Church as they face smaller congregations and diminishing income.
Smith, who is orthodox in faith and morals, wisely assesses the situation noting that such a move would actually be a return to the original practice of The Episcopal Church wherein all bishops served as rectors of congregations.
"There was even a discussion about such a possibility for North Dakota during the search which led to my election in 2004. This conversation, however, was cut short because it was understood by some that the national canons would not allow such an arrangement.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
News Analysis
By David W. Virtue
www.virtueonline.org
January 17, 2011
Smith, who is orthodox in faith and morals, wisely assesses the situation noting that such a move would actually be a return to the original practice of The Episcopal Church wherein all bishops served as rectors of congregations.
"There was even a discussion about such a possibility for North Dakota during the search which led to my election in 2004. This conversation, however, was cut short because it was understood by some that the national canons would not allow such an arrangement.
Read the full story at www.VirtueOnline.org
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