Leadership, intellect and strategy – that’s the hallmark of much-loved Bishop James Monte Stanton who is retiring from the Diocese of Dallas after 21 years.
Despite facing doctrinal disagreement and changing demographics, his robust legacy leaves behind a healthy, vibrant diocese for the next generation of leaders.
“It’s important to have new vision and energy for the future. It’s a great diocese with the potential to become greater,” Bishop Stanton said. “It’s time for new eyes and new ideas.”
His diocese does seem to have flourished and grown under his leadership and shepherding, but in the last few years he has been tested when with others he stood for the truth of the polity of ECUSA against that made up from time to time by the Presiding Bishop and her lawyers for short term reasons. For his trouble in supporting the Amicus briefs he and the other bishops were subjected to typical and outrageous abuse organised by the PB and at her and her lawyers’ instigation had ‘conciliation’ waged upon him in the manner of a show trial.
He is actually one of the bright lights still shining of the great church ECUSA used to be, before it was taken over and run like Papa Doc’s Haiti.
I am just full of awe at his courage and his thankful for his steadfastness. One of the saints who are an encouragement in this dark time for the Anglican church.
God bless you Bishop and Mrs Stanton in your retirement and thank you for all you have done.