No, not new news I know, but a placeholder for your commments…
Bishop Matthews’ Pastoral Letter to the Diocese
August 2, 2007
My dear, dear friends,
Grace and peace to you in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.
This letter announces that after ten years as your Bishop, I am resigning as of November 30th, 2007. Being Bishop of Edmonton has been a blessing beyond what words can express, and I am deeply grateful for your love, your prayers and the ministry we share in Christ our Saviour.
Just as the Holy Spirit called me to Edmonton in 1997, so I believe God is now calling me in a different direction. For over two years this has been present in my prayers and the time has come to say ‘yes’ to the prompting of the Spirit. Most recently I have become convinced that I am meant to resign as your Bishop before knowing what comes next. While this is a bit disconcerting, I am proceeding in obedience to what I believe is God’s will.
Some will wonder if I have new health concerns, and others will ask if I am angry at the Anglican Church. The answer to both questions is no. I am well and I love our Church. I am an Anglican and hope to always minister in accordance with the grace and mercy of Christ our Saviour.
An electoral Synod will be held at All Saints’ Cathedral, Edmonton on March 8, 2008. To begin the preparations for that Synod there will be a special Executive Council meeting on August 14th at 7:00 pm at the Cathedral. The Chancellor is writing a memorandum on what needs to be done to ready the Diocese for the electoral synod next year.
You will always be in my prayers and I know you will continue to live and minister the Gospel to the glory of God. I give thanks to God whenever I think of you.
In Christ
+Victoria Edmonton
Not related to the subject, but I always find it interesting when someone issues a statement, or a prayer, or a sermon, and seems to go out of the way to avoid referring to God in masculine pronouns.
Maybe it’s just me.
Take Care
I am glad she is listening to the Holy Spirit’s leading and wish her well in whatever she does next in life.