Bishop Ramos Resigns Post in Costa Rica
Episcopal News Service. June 1, 1978 [78153]
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- The Rt. Rev. J. Antonio Ramos, Bishop of Costa Rica, announced here his decision to leave the diocese on September 30 of this year.
The announcement came during his State of the Church message and it was received with surprise and emotion. Bishop Ramos, a native of Puerto Rico, said that after nine and a half years as head of the Episcopal Church in Costa Rica, it was the right time for the diocese to elect a national as bishop.
The plans for his departure from the diocese were in fact anticipated for a little over a year.
In 1976 Costa Rica became an extra-provincial diocese under the metropolitical authority of the House of Bishops of the Ninth Province of the Episcopal Church. It is expected that the bishops will consent to Bishop Ramos' petition.
A special convention will be held on July 2 for the purpose of electing a bishop coadjutor who will take office as diocesan bishop on September 30. According to diocesan plans the priorities in the election of candidates would be: a Costa Rican national, a naturalized Costa Rican or a foreigner with some connection with the Ninth Province of the Episcopal Church.
Bishop Ramos has been repeatedly in the press for his concerns for social justice and has been outspoken on many issues. He was one of the four bishops participating in an ordination service for eleven women in Philadelphia in 1974.
Bishop Ramos said that he is planning to reside in Puerto Rico where he will be doing graduate work at the University of Puerto Rico in the field of rehabilitation of the handicapped. He will also assist the Bishop of Puerto Rico, the Rt. Rev. Francisco Reus.