Following the unexpected resignation of Quincy Bishop Keith Ackerman, which was effective November 1, the synod convened without a sitting bishop. The Rev. Canon Edward den Blaauwen, rector of Christ Church, Moline, and a member of the Standing Committee, was appointed to preside at Synod\u2019s business meetings.<\/p>\n
At the opening session of the synod on November 7, which was closed to the public, Spencer reported that Ackerman was on hand to ceremonially \u201cpass the gavel\u201d\u009d to den Blaauwen.<\/p>\n
Following the votes to realign, a letter was read from Archbishop Gregory Venables, primate of the Southern Cone, in which he reported that he had appointed den Blaauwen as Vicar General of the new diocesan unit, in the absence of a sitting bishop.<\/p>\n
Den Blaauwen who also serves as executive administrator for Forward in Faith North America, of which Ackerman is president, attended the Global Anglican Futures Conference in June. He also accompanied Ackerman to the Lambeth Conference this past summer.<\/p>\n
Spencer noted that no plans have yet been made for a search for a new bishop.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur focus has been entirely about just getting through this synod for now,\u201d\u009d he said.<\/p>\n