This week we received the news from +Allan that he has handed in his resignation as the Bishop of the Diocese of Bunbury with effect from December 31, 2017. + Allan has served in the Bunbury Diocese for the last 7 years and has seen many changes and been part of forming legislative foundations for our Dioceses along with the many gifted clergy and lay leaders who have shared this time with him.
Along with health issues and prayerful reflection + Allan has penned his letter to the people sharing his thoughts and expressing his reasons for his resignation. If you would like to read it for yourself, you can follow the link http://www.trical.org/allan-formal-letter-june-16.pdf
One paragraph stands out to me which I believe highlights his insight into the direction our church might take and offers us a challenge in our own local parish here in Australind,
“In the Anglican Church more broadly I believe that it is important that our leadership has the strength and vision of a younger generation. The challenges we face as a Church are substantial and the responses to be made should be formed by those who will have an active engagement in the future. Holding such a view I believe that all positions, including my own as Bishop, should be made available to people of the next generation.”
In +Allan leaving we will also say farewell to Trisha who I have had the pleasure of working with on team for Cursillo. During this time I ask that we continue to pray for +Allan and his health, for Trisha and their family, the Bunbury Diocese and for Archdeacon Julie.
Amen
Karen