Dear beloved members of the Diocese of North Carolina,
After much prayer, thoughtful conversation and discernment, I am writing today to let you know that I have made the decision to call for the election of the 13th bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina in November of 2027, and to retire when the new bishop is ordained and consecrated in the spring of 2028. While the decision was not an easy one, I am in a place of clarity and peace as I share this news with all of you. I am entering my 10th year as your bishop, and I look forward to the coming months as we continue our commitment to making disciples who are making a difference.
There are a couple of factors behind this decision. I am in good health, and I believe it is the right time for me and for my family to embrace the opportunities that come with retirement – a new perspective and a slower pace. And, I believe this is the right time for the diocese to discern leadership for the next chapter of mission and service. The details of the next steps around the search process will be shared in the coming weeks by the Standing Committee. Please know that my focus will continue to be on the mission we share, as disciples of Jesus, and on the many gifts our congregations and their local leadership bring to our church.
Serving as your bishop has been, and continues to be, a joy, a blessing and an incredible gift. And I am grateful that we will still have time together building up beloved community here in North Carolina, as we focus our energy over the next two years on the diocesan priorities of Discipleship in our churches and Racial Reckoning, Justice and Healing. This work is essential and will continue to expand as we move forward with our mission strategy priorities in the months ahead.
I am also deeply grateful for the leadership of our Standing Committee, Diocesan Council and the Trustees, as well as Bishop Jennifer Brooke-Davidson, our assistant bishop, and our diocesan staff. It is such a joy to serve with such dedicated, talented, faithful and capable people. Over the next 22 months, Bishop Jennifer and I will be fully engaged in our shared oversight and respective responsibilities as your bishops.
I continue to hold you in my prayers as this time of transition begins, and I ask for your prayers as we navigate this time of discernment together, trusting in the wisdom, direction and guidance of the Holy Spirit.
With a grateful heart,
Bishop Sam Rodman
RELATED: Read a special message from the Standing Committee about this time of transition
