Regarding Bishop Hayashi’s Retirement Announcement
October 28, 2019
Dear Friends,
With Bishop Hayashi’s announcement on October 9th of his retirement/resignation, the Standing Committee and I would like to offer a word about the election and transition process.
As Bishop Hayashi stated in his announcement letter, he will remain fully engaged in his responsibilities as bishop of our diocese and the work of the diocese will continue uninterrupted. We have a fine group of leaders on our diocesan committees (Standing Committee, Diocesan Council), as well as the support of an outstanding diocesan staff. The Standing Committee will be responsible for oversight of the search and transition process for the diocese. (Canon 25.1)
We have much to accomplish over the next two years. Our history is one of meeting challenges with faith, flexibility, and integrity and we will continue doing this until the ordination and consecration of the 12th Bishop of Utah set for October 9, 2021.
The Standing Committee and I met with the Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, Bishop for the Office of Pastoral Development of the Episcopal Church, on October 3rd. Bishop Ousley supports dioceses in transition and was very helpful in outlining next steps. As we work to formalize the election and transition plan, we will keep you informed of developments through regular email communications as well as through the Diocesan website (episcopal-ut.org), Diocesan facebook page, and the new Bishop Transition web page. I can also be reached at standingcommittee@episcopal-ut.org.
In addition, there will be many opportunities for congregants in the diocese to be involved. We ask you to prayerfully consider being a member of the Search/Nomination Committee. We will also be forming a committee to elect the members of the Search/Nomination Committee, plus appointing a Transition Committee. Responsibilities of these committee members will be sent to each congregation in a separate communication in early November and nomination forms will be online.
We ask your prayers of support as we take on this important work.
God’s blessings and peace,
Nancy Tanner
Standing Committee President
Episcopal Diocese of Utah
