The Rt. Rev. John Stuart Thornton, Bishop of Idaho, and his wife, Jan, spent portions of September and October on pilgrimages in order to say farewell to the diocese.

Bishop Thornton is retired Oct. 31. In three seperate pilgrimages, the Thorntons walked along highways, by-ways and bike trails - through farms, fields, a desert, small towns and big cities - to touch the land and the people who have been a part of their lives for eight years.

Surrounded by the prayers and good wishes of "their people," Bishop and Mrs. Thornton embarked upon their "Walk in Love," visiting parishes, celebrating liturgies, joining in fellowship and reflection. People from parishes and passers-by joined the pilgrimage for a time.

Each day began with Morning Prayer. Bishop Thornton offered a reflection and meditation after breakfast and then the journey began. For each stage of the journey, walkers received a thought to ponder.

Planned stops at parks or farms provided walkers with places to share refreshments or eat lunch. Each day's walk ended at another church. In the evening, after dinner, Bishop Thornton shared slides and stories of his experiences at the Lambeth Conference this summer. Many of the songs used during liturgies and prayer services came from Lambeth as well.

At Trinity Church, Pocatello, the Rt. Rev. Harry B. Bainbridge III, then bishop coadjutor, joined the evening worship service and was asked to kneel at the center of the church. Those present laid hands on him in blessing as they welcomed him into the eastern part of the diocese.

Volunteers are videotaping the pilgrimage as it passes through their area for Bishop Thornton's use in making a documentary of the couple's "Walk in Love."