From the Diocese of Connecticut
Dear Sister and Brothers in Christ,
We write to share with you the news that the Rt. Rev. James E. Curry, Bishop Suffragan, plans to retire October 1, 2014. Bishop Curry will be close to completing 14 years as bishop suffragan, the longest serving bishop suffragan in the history of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Bishop Curry is choosing to retire at this time in order to both spend more time with his family and also to pursue his commitments in challenging violence, especially violence in the cities of Connecticut.
Bishop Curry has been a passionate advocate for justice and peace in his ministry as bishop. He has provided key leadership in the ministry areas of advocacy and justice, Spanish-speaking communities, world mission, youth and young adults, and Camp Washington. Bishop Curry’s pastoral and prophetic gifts will be greatly missed. The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, Bishop Suffragan, and the Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop Diocesan, will continue to offer care and oversight to these important ministries.
According to the canons of The Episcopal Church, bishops need permission from the majority of the bishops in The Episcopal Church to “resign” their office. This permission will be sought in the next few months. There is no expectation that we will call for the election of an additional second bishop suffragan going forward for the Episcopal Church in Connecticut. Plans to celebrate Bishop Curry’s ministry are in the works with a banquet in his honor planned at Diocesan Convention in Waterbury on Friday, October 24, 2014.
Let us give thanks and praise to the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the gift of Bishop Curry and for his unfailing faithfulness to God’s mission of restoration and reconciliation.
The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas
The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens
The Rt. Rev. James E. Curry
Image from Church by the Pond, Hartford