OREGON: Bishop tells convention of plans to leave his position
Episcopal News Service. November 9, 2007 [110907-04]
Mary Frances Schjonberg
Episcopal Diocese of Oregon Bishop Johncy Itty called November 8 for a transition in episcopal authority in the diocese.
Itty, 44, issued his call during his address that was part of the convention's Eucharist.
Itty told those gathered that it had been a blessing to serve as their bishop and then said, "After some time of prayerful discernment, in recognition of personal, professional and family needs, I feel that now would be the appropriate time to share news of my desire to begin the important work of electing my successor, the 10th bishop of Oregon."
The Standing Committee and "some key persons" were informed earlier about Itty's decision, he said. He promised that details of the "process of transition" would be forthcoming in the new year.
The search, nomination, election and consent process for a diocesan normally takes about two years to complete. Assuming the person elected becomes bishop coadjutor, the Episcopal Church's Constitution in Article II, Section I requires Itty to resign his position no more than 36 months after the coadjutor's ordination and consecration.
Itty is the third-youngest member of the House of Bishops. He was 40 years old when he was elected May 17, 2003 to be the ninth bishop of Oregon. He received the canonically required consent to his ordination and consecration during 74th General Convention in Minneapolis in June 2003.
Prior to his election, Itty, who was born in India, was canon residentiary of the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City, New York, in the Diocese of Long Island. Previously, Itty was the social justice officer for the Episcopal Church and served as the human rights officer in the Anglican Communion Office at the United Nations.
The Diocese of Oregon consists of more than 22,000 Episcopalians in 76 churches throughout Western Oregon.