Western Oregon Episcopalians are buzzing since their bishop, the Rt. Rev. Johncy Itty, decided after four years that it’s time to start searching for his successor.
Itty, who at 40 was the youngest Episcopal bishop when he was elected in 2003, caused the stir at the diocese’s annual convention in early November. He thanked God for his years here and said his decision is “in recognition of personal, professional and family needs.”
In an interview this week, he said he wanted to give a “heads up” so the transition wouldn’t be a surprise. He said he has no particular plans about what he’ll do next. The entire selection process, which can take two years, won’t start until January.
I wrote to Bp Itty about a certain retired “priest” who wrote a scatalogical email to Bp Iker. In my perusing of the website, I was struck by the lack of spin words that the left uses to promote duplicitously their un-Biblical agenda.
They don’t call it the People’s Republic of Oregon for no reason.
Not even any itty bitty plans?
Four years. Wow. That’s committment. Way to stick it out there in the service of the Lord, Itty.
On second thought, maybe the one he was really serving doesn’t actually inspire that much in the way of service. Well at least he got his pension upgrade.
What I was trying to imply was that, perhaps, he was a closet conservative in an extremely liberal diocese, and he didn’t like the way the national church was headed.
I have heard very positive things about Itty from conservative Episcopalians in Oregon. Not so much that he is a “closet conservative” but rather that he truly respects them. Add in to that his “international perspective” and “heirarchical style” and my guess is that Itty is probably more concerned with global Anglicanism and good order then most liberals would like.
I’ve heard similar things to robroy and jamesw. I was surprised by this news a few days ago. My contacts suggest that the management issue was overriding. It sounds like it was never a good fit, either for +Itty or for Oregon. It does sound like he is more conservative than the diocese at large. He is young, and would make an excellent assistant (or dare I say ‘diocesan’) somewhere else.
Hard to believe that the good bishop will be missed that much. Membership declined by about 5 percent from 1996 through 2002 but it declined by about another 8 percent from 2002 through 2006.
Plate & Pledge had increased by about 30 percent (far above inflation) from 1996 through 2002 but only increased by about 2 percent (painfully far below inflation) from 2002 through 2006
Statmann.
Blessings to Itty. Could it be, perhaps, that he has selflessly realized that he is ill suited to the episcopate and that the Lord is truly calling him to service elsewhere. I for one say kudos to individuals who are sincerely concerned with discernment as to where the Lord is leading people. Rather than trying to sink the ship with the anchor of ego, here is a brother in Christ honestly searching for his place in the Kingdom and what his role should be. Praise the Lord and give thanks to Him for true servants…
Statmann, again I would cut him some slack. Those stats sound like the TEC all over. I think that there is more to this bishop than meets the eye, more complicated than diocesan statistics. “a brother in Christ honestly searching for his place in the Kingdom and what his role should be.”
And, dare one think it, possibly disillusioned by the HoB and their unChristian ways?
Godspeed to His Grace.
Dear Robroy: I too wish the bishop fair winds and a following sea. I just don’t believe that many will break out the black armbands. As for TEC stats (99 domestic dioceses) for 1996-2002 the average membership decline was about 2.7 percent and for 2002-2006 the average decline was about 8.3 percent. The increase for Plate & Pledge for 1996-2002 was about 32.9 percent and for 2002-2006 the average increase was about 8.8 percent. That last stat (8.8 percent) is well below inflation and will prove most painful if such below-par results continue. It is wise to follow the money for there is the heart of TEC. Statmann