Bishop Anthony Burton is moving to Dallas

From the Diocese of Saskatchewan blog:

To the clergy and people of the Diocese of Saskatchewan

Dear friends,

This is a difficult letter to write but I must let you know that I have submitted my resignation to the Metropolitan of Rupert’s Land effective September 1, 2008. I begin that day a new ministry as Rector of the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas, Texas.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for the privilege of serving with you these past 17 years, first as Dean and, since 1993, as Bishop. Our sense of call to Texas is a positive one but at the same time I felt that it would be an opportunity for the Diocese to be overseen with a fresh pair of eyes, and to enjoy the excitement and momentum a change of bishop brings.

Archbishop Clarke will soon be in touch with our Executive Committee to start the process to elect a new Bishop. The person you will choose to carry this ministry forward will be greatly blessed. This Diocese is well known for the singular spirit of cooperation, good will, and thoughtfulness you bring to the challenges of the day. I have good hope and every reason to believe that God has another fruitful season in store for you.

It was said that St. Paul had a thousand friends and loved each as his own soul, and died a thousand deaths when the time came for him to leave them. I suppose every departing bishop feels something of this sense of loss but I feel it acutely today because of the exceptional generosity and openness of heart with which you have consistently encouraged me. I hope to visit with many of you before we go.

Anna, Caroline, Peter and I wish you God’s blessing as you continue steadfast in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers.

Yours in Christ,

Anthony Burton
Bishop of Saskatchewan

Comments

[Malcolm+]

Now this IS a surprise.

[Susan]

God's blessing be upon him and God's mercy be upon the Diocese of Saskatchewan and the Canadian church. We are diminished. And many people will be disheartened.

[Ambrose St John]

A great loss for Anglicans in Canada.

[Donald+]

As a priest of the Diocese of Saskatchewan, it took me a day or two to adjust to the shock of the news. However, the Lord calmed me down! I found it helpful to check out the website for the Church of the Incarnation in Dallas . I think you will see the kind of vision that captured our Bishop.

Let me quote here a comment related on our Diocesan website by another of our priests:
"As our parishioners absorbed the shock of the news, one prayerful and insightful lady was what we think a prophetic voice in the midst of it all. She said that although she, too, is sad, she senses that God is doing something new - she doesn't yet know what, but she is convinced of it and consequently has a deep sense of peace."

Indeed, my hope is that we would listen to the voice of God through the prophet:
"Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." (Isaiah 43:19)

Please pray for us as a Diocese that we would discern "the new thing" that God is doing.

[joseph]

This is indeed a surprise, Malcolm. Though I suspect that bishop Burton & his family have no doubt been praying about this for some time. I do recall a few years ago he was a candidate for bishop of San Diego, so the prospect of leaving the Diocese is not new to him. On the other hand, I wonder if people might generally raise eyebrows at the thought of going from bishop of a diocese to rector of a parish. From a "worldly" perspective, it might look like a 'demotion'. Of course, that may very well mean that from a Kingdom of God perspective, it is the right thing to do. From the link in Donald's comment, it looks like a parish which could swallow one of our Dioceses, though.

The Canadian House of Bishops has a a little bit of reconfiguring to do: a new bishop for Edmonton, and new bishops will be coming soon for Yukon (sometime late May I believe) and now Sask. Donald, we will keep you all in our prayers as you discern and elect your next bishop.

[Malcolm+]

In the Navy, it was not uncommon for an officer to go from commanding a minor war vessel (ie a Bay Class ex-minesweeper patrol boat) to being commandant en second of a major war vessel (ie a frigate or destroyer) with a few staff jobs in between before finally becoming Captain of a major war vessel.

And for a time, the rector of one rural parish in Qu'Appelle was a former bishop, as were former Deans of Toronto and British Columbia.

In any event, by more worldly standards, it appears that moving from Bishop of Saskatchewan to being Rector of Incarnation, Dallas is a promotion. Certainly more staff.

Interesting parish, including some of the richest and some of the poorest neighbourhoods in Texas. The website was well worth a boo. (Don't have the link handy.)

[joseph]

Doesn't the Diocese of Sask have this as their motto: "Come for the money, Stay for the winter." :^)

[Malcolm+]

It's a DRY cold.

[Tim]

Interesting how that Diocese has changed since I worked there 1979-84. I did the funeral of a good friend there about seven years ago. I couldn't believe all the black-suited clergy.

[Susan]

I'm missing the point of your comment, Tim. How is it weird that priests, or anyone for that matter, would wear black suits to a funeral? What. When you were there they wore swimsuits or something? If you mean they were wearing cassocks, then I say good for them and may the Lord give great increase to that!:)

[cpm]

Tim,

I am wondering what you mean by that, and whether or not you think it was a good change?

CPM

[joseph]

Tim, I suspect it is a practical thing. Black clothing draws and keeps more heat during the cold Saskatchewan winters...

[Donald]

Well, ladies and gentlemen, the TRUTH is that we're just trying to do our part here to offset global warming...

[poetryman69]

bless the people of Burma

bless the souls of the people of Tibet