MARYLAND: Bishop Ihloff retires; Diocese begins search for new leader
Episcopal News Service. April 23, 2007 [042307-02]
Matthew Davies
Bishop Robert W. Ihloff of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland retired April 10 after serving for 12 years as its 13th bishop. The Diocesan Standing Committee has begun its canonically mandated responsibility of providing for the election of the next Bishop of Maryland.
Maryland's Bishop Suffragan John L. Rabb has been named bishop-in-charge until a new diocesan is elected during a special convention scheduled for March 29, 2008. The new bishop will be consecrated on June 28, 2008.
Further information about the diocesan bishop search is available here.
In a farewell message to his diocese, Ihloff, 65, emphasized ways in which the Episcopal Church in Maryland has become stronger in mission. "We have made important commitments to our youth and have taken seriously the crucial nature of Christian formation," he said. "Many of our parishes are growing and most places are experiencing a sense of renewal. Our Diocesan Staff is more and more 'in the field,' assisting congregations and working together with local people for the enhancement of ministry."
He also acknowledged that the diocese has "refused to be hijacked by the divisive controversies which have been so debilitating in other places. We have made strides in working for justice and in enhancing inclusion as responses to the Gospel."
Ihloff said he's pleased that the diocese has welcomed diverse viewpoints and that it has managed to avoid some of the controversies that have roiled other parts of the Church, according to the Associated Press (AP).
"It makes my retirement much easier in that I am very proud of this diocese in the way it functions and is administered," Ihloff said.
He celebrated his final service as bishop on Easter Sunday (April 8) at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore. The previous day he celebrated the Easter Vigil service at St. John's Parish in Hagerstown.
Announcing his intent to retire in a September 2006 letter to the clergy and lay members of the diocese, Ihloff said: "I am blessed with good health and considerable energy. There are many days when I feel I'd like to postpone the decision about retirement just a little longer. I enjoy what I do among you and feel much fulfilled in my vocation. Yet, I know in my heart this is a good decision and timely."
Ihloff said he wishes to continue to serve God "by allotting a much greater portion of my time to family." He also hopes to teach and write.
The Diocesan Standing Committee has also announced the appointment of assisting bishops Michael W. Creighton, recently retired, Diocese of Central Pennsylvania; and Rodney R. Michel, recently retired, Diocese of Long Island. They will assist Rabb as he assumes his duties as bishop-in-charge.
The Episcopal Diocese of Maryland is a Christian community of 23,000 households in 117 congregations covering 10 counties and Baltimore City.