The Rt. Rev. Keith L. Ackerman, Bishop of Quincy since 1994, has informed the diocesan standing committee of his intention to retire effective Nov. 1, one week before the annual synod votes for a second and final time to leave The Episcopal Church and realign with another Anglican province.
The timing of his retirement announcement comes after much thought and prayer, as well as consultation with his physicians, family and friends, according to the Rev. John Spencer, diocesan media officer and vicar of St. Francis’ Church, Dunlap, Ill. Fr. Spencer said Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori was sent news of Bishop Ackerman’s retirement plans this morning.
Bishop Ackerman did not preside at the business portion of the annual synod meeting last year due to complications from high blood pressure.
“While Bishop Ackerman is retiring from his administrative duties as executive officer of the diocese, he plans to remain in the area of the diocese for some time and will make himself available, under arrangement with the standing committee, to perform episcopal acts and provide spiritual counsel to member of the diocese, as have Bishop Donald Parsons and Bishop Edward MacBurney [his two immediate predecessors],” according to a diocesan media release.
Bishop Ackerman has been on sabbatical since the conclusion of the Lambeth Conference in early August. The sabbatical was scheduled to conclude Nov. 1. Under diocesan canons, the standing committee will continue to function as the ecclesiastical authority.
“Bishop Ackerman wants to assure everyone that he has no intention of abandoning the diocese, but will continue to provide spiritual and pastoral support as asked by the standing committee,” the release noted.
Fr. Spencer said Bishop Ackerman will address delegates shortly before the annual synod convenes on Nov. 7, but he will not attend the business sessions.
Steve Waring
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2 Comments
Having known the good Bishop from his days at Charleroi Pennsylvania, I can only say that whatever decision he has made has been made with deep prayer, consultation with many wise friends and his wise wife, and total reliance on the Lord whom he has served with grace, dedication and kindness. He is a man for whom the Scriptures , Christian history and Anglo Catholic tradition have been his hallmark. God bless the Ackerman's as they look to their next great adventure.
I was a priest in Pittsburgh with him before all the division. I usually disagree with his theological and ecclesiastic positions but have been so impressed and edified by his piety and kindliness that they outweigh our disagreements. If ever there was a holy man who transcends differences with love and respect for those who disagree with him and who is able to enter into deep dialogue with prayer and reflection and who really listens to other points of view, he is the man. I would choose him for my spiritual director if we were in the same State., which says to me that our differences do not make much difference.