The Rt. Rev. Peter James Lee, who has been bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia for 24 years, announced yesterday that he will step down Oct. 1 to make way for a successor who was named in 2007.
The diocese, which covers northern and eastern Virginia and includes 80,000 members, is one of the largest in the Episcopal Church, the U.S.-based branch of the global Anglican Communion.
Starting this fall the diocese will be overseen by the Rt. Rev. Shannon Johnston, 50, an Alabama native who has worked in dioceses in the South and is known for his work in prison, music and HIV/AIDS ministries.
“I think the church is more focused beyond ourselves as Americans than when I first came,” Lee said yesterday at the diocese’s annual council meeting, where he announced he would be stepping down.”
Noticeably in its adherence to the good of the Anglican Communion and strict adherence to the Windsor Report, eh, Bishop? Not to mention adherence to Scripture in the matter of lawsuits. A legacy of kowtowing to a non-existent hierarchy alleged by the new sheriff in town is the primary result of 24 years of ministry. Best to leave whilst they can still meet the retirement goals or (further?) tap the pension funds to promulgate lawsuits as capitulated to by this diocesan bishop. A legacy in deed!
What a sad summary of a lifetime of ministry: “presided over Virginia rift.” May God have mercy upon his soul for the compromise of the Gospel.