| Resolution Number: | 1985-B036 |
|---|---|
| Title: | Accept the Resignation of the Bishop of Maryland |
| Legislative Action Taken: | Adopted |
| Final Text: | |
Resolved, That the House of Bishops accept, with regret, the resignation of the Rt. Rev. David K. Leighton, Sr., Bishop of Maryland, effective December 31, 1985. As part of the resolution for resignation, the following expression was made [by A. Theodore Eastman, Coadjutor of Maryland]:
Mr. President and Members of the House,
Many of you have said to me and to David in one way or another "What is it about the Diocese of Maryland that leads it to elect bishops who look alike?" Having the same coloration, we are sometimes confused with one another back home.
In the last few years he has had the experience of being asked, "Are you settled in yet?" I've had people say to me, "I'll bet you are looking forward to retirement." I think I know why this look-alike was elected Bishop Coadjutor. The Diocese has commissioned a portrait of David that now hangs in our office building in Baltimore. There is a brass plaque on the frame identifying the 11th Bishop of Maryland and giving the date of his 17-year episcopate. When I retire a decade from now, perhaps the diocese can spend $10 and merely add another plaque.
Given what this convention did last Tuesday, Maryland may have started a trend in electing graying redheads to positions of leadership.
Various creatures in God's world take on the coloration of their surroundings. It is said that husbands and wives grow to look like one another. Perhaps this is true of diocesan bishops and their coadjutors.
In any case, I rise to salute David Keller Leighton, Sr., for those qualities of his person and ministry that I hope I may assume or assimilate. I salute my colleague and mentor
-- for his commitment to the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ and his clear understanding of his place in that mission;
-- for his innate spirit of humility and self-sacrifice in the pursuit of that mission;
-- for his courage in proclaiming the gospel when people do not want to hear it;
-- for a sense of humor which enables him to lighten burdens that he carried;
-- for his investment in shared leadership, which I myself have experienced as his colleague;
-- for his deep pastoral sensitivity for his clergy and people.
No one is exactly like another person, but I hope that my journey with David Leighton these past three years has enabled me to pick up some measure of these God-given qualities.
And now I invite you to rise with me to second and adopt the following with a standing ovation:
Resolved, That this house salute David Keller Leighton, Sr., for these qualities of his life and ministry and thank God for them.
| Citation: | General Convention, Journal of the General Convention of...The Episcopal Church, Anaheim, 1985 (New York: General Convention, 1986), p. 231. |
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Legislative History
| Author: | |
|---|---|
| Originating House: | House of Bishops |
| Originating Committee: | Committee on Resignation of Bishops |
House of Bishops
Original Text of Resolution
(B036)
Resolved, That the House of Bishops accept, with regret, the resignation of the Rt. Rev. David K. Leighton, Sr., Bishop of Maryland, effective December 31, 1985. As part of the resolution for resignation, the following expression was made:
Mr. President and Members of the House,
Many of you have said to me and to David in one way or another "What is it about the Diocese of Maryland that leads it to elect bishops who look alike?" Having the same coloration, we are sometimes confused with one another back home.
In the last few years he has had the experience of being asked, "Are you settled in yet?" I've had people say to me, "I'll bet you are looking forward to retirement." I think I know why this look-alike was elected Bishop Coadjutor. The Diocese has commissioned a portrait of David that now hangs in our office building in Baltimore. There is a brass plaque on the frame identifying the 11th Bishop of Maryland and giving the date of his 17-year episcopate. When I retire a decade from now, perhaps the diocese can spend $10 and merely add another plaque.
Given what this Convention did last Tuesday, Maryland may have started a trend in electing graying redheads to positions of leadership.
Various creatures in God's world take on the coloration of their surroundings. It is said that husbands and wives grow to look like one another. Perhaps this is true of diocesan bishops and their coadjutors.
In any case, I rise to salute David Keller Leighton, Sr., for those qualities of his person and ministry that I hope I may assume or assimilate. I salute my colleague and mentor
-- for his commitment to the mission of our Lord Jesus Christ and his clear understanding of his place in that mission;
-- for his innate spirit of humility and self-sacrifice in the pursuit of that mission;
-- for his courage in proclaiming the gospel when people do not want to hear it;
-- for a sense of humor which enables him to lighten burdens that he carried;
-- for his investment in shared leadership, which I myself have experienced as his colleague;
-- for his deep pastoral sensitivity for his clergy and people.
No one is exactly like another person, but I hope that my journey with David Leighton these past three years has enabled me to pick up some measure of these God-given qualities.
And now I invite you to rise with me to second and adopt the following with a standing ovation:
Resolved, That this house salute David Keller Leighton, Sr., for these qualities of his life and ministry and thank God for them.
A.Theodore Eastman
Coadjutor of Maryland
Seconded by Bishop Rose.
Motion carried
Resolution adopted
Resolution Adopted by One House, September 13.
| Abstract: | The House of Bishops of the 68th General Convention accepts the resignation of the Right Reverend David K. Leighton, Sr. |
|---|---|
| Notes: | David K. Leighton, Sr. served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland from 1972 to 1985 and the Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Maryland from 1968 to 1971. |