My Episcopal priest is giving his final sermon Sunday...he's retiring after 17 years at our small

[Rowdyboy]

rural church in central Mississippi. He's the only man I know in town whose beliefs are more liberal than mine and I will miss him immensely. He preaches a gospel of love and inclusiveness and is a credit to the Christian faith.

He taught my confirmation class 14 years ago when I joined the church-I've never known another priest. I doubt I'll ever love one as well. But all good things come to an end.....

[lookingfortruth]

1. It is sad to here such a good man who seems to understand the Jesus Tradition of Love and kindness

helping your fellow man leave such an important role right now with several "Christians" trying to force viewpoints that seems to go against Jesus' message.

I hope he was not forced out and I am sorry he is retiring. Stay in touch with the man.

[Rowdyboy]

2. He was most definitely not forced out-he's 65 and wants to spend more time in photography....

Maybe even open a studio. He lives about three blocks from me and actually I kind of look forward to getting to know him on a different level-as just a friend-not my priest. He's a good guy, shares my values and it'll be fun to see how our relationship grows.

[lookingfortruth]

3. THat's good to hear on all fronts. I just worry with the way some religious leaders and groups are

acting lately.

No offense meant.

[Rowdyboy]

4. None taken. Its a really sweet/sad situation.....He's a genuinely spiritual man

I feel he's taught me a lot over the years and I'm not ready for the relationship to change. But I really don't have much choice and I'll eventually get over myself.

[ellisonz]

5. Amen. n/t

[cbayer]

6. Has his replacement been chosen yet?

I would hope that he would have a lot to say about who replaces him.

Sounds like big shoes to fill and while I am sorry that you are losing him, I am very glad that you had the opportunity to have him for so long.

[Rowdyboy]

7. No, and he has no voice in his replacement....its a lengthy process that could take up to a year....

Our "vestry" (an elected body of 7 parishoners) will choose a search committee to interview/audition candidates. I'm hopeful we'll get someone young, even straight out of seminary.

[cbayer]

8. So glad your vestry will have input.

I would imagine that your congregation would appeal to a progressive such as you are losing.

Best of luck.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

9. We're in transition, too

The departure was controversial, so much so that the bishop has decreed that we cannot call anyone permanently unless we deal with the issues within the parish. Instead, we have an appointed interim who is so far doing a good job and has the proper "people skills" to bring people together. The bishop has told us that it may be a year or more before we are cleared to call someone permanently.

[Rowdyboy]

10. That was our situation in 1994 the last time our priest left.....we were "punished" for over a year

Thankfully this situation is far better-still its hard. I'm just back from his last service. Our retiring priest's son, who is currently in seminary, served the Eucharist with him-it was very touching.

We're scheduled for a "fill-in" priest twice a month with morning prayer the other Sundays. I imagine I'll be seeing a lot more of the Sunday morning talk shows this summer....