RHODE ISLAND: Bishop announces plan to retire in 2012
Episcopal News Service. March 7, 2011 [030711-02]
ENS staff
The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf has said she plans to retire as 12th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island by the end of 2012.
Wolf, who has served as bishop of the New England diocese for 15 years, made the announcement during the annual meeting of Diocesan Convocation on March 5 when she also called for the election of a successor.
In a letter to her diocese, Wolf described the support and affection she'd received throughout her episcopal ministry as "gifts that I treasure and words are inadequate to express the love and appreciation that I have for you and for the people of our state."
Prior to her election in 1995, Wolf served as dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Louisville, in the Diocese of Kentucky for 10 years. She was the first woman to serve as dean of a cathedral in the Episcopal Church.
At her consecration in February 1996, she became the 6th woman bishop in the Anglican Communion.
By the time of her planned retirement, Wolf noted that she'll be approaching her 66th birthday and the 36th year of her ordained ministry.
"This was a very difficult decision for me to make, for I am truly invigorated by the ongoing challenges of episcopal ministry," she said. "However, it is the duty of every Christian to continually discern God's will. Through prayer and conversation with others, I recognized that this was where the Lord was leading." Wolf said she has informed the office of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori of her decision.
"During the next 20 months or so, I will continue to have the honor of serving as your bishop, gladly fulfilling the responsibilities of this sacred office," she said in her letter. "Having served in two dioceses during a change in diocesan bishops, I am well aware of the anticipation, excitement and anxiety that are part of this process and equally aware that on a daily basis, most things remain the same."
Scott Avedisian, president of the diocesan Standing Committee, on behalf of the diocese, offered thanks for Wolf's "outstanding leadership" and best wishes as she prepares for retirement.
The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island, based in Providence, is composed of 60 Episcopal churches throughout the state.