Michaelmas 2001

Bishop Clark Retires, DSS to Elect New Bishop

From: The Right Reverand James Pollard Clark, Bishop of the Diocese of the Southern States
To: The Most Reverend Robert Sherwood Morse
Date: September 5, 2001

Dear Archbishop Morse:
After much thoughtful and prayerful consideration, I have decided that for reasons of health, it is time for me to retire as Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Southern States. I plan to make my retirement effective as of December 31, 2001.

I have enjoyed my years of service with you and thank you for making them possible. I pray for the continuing blessings of God on our Province and on you personally as you lead our people. If at any time I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to call on me.

Yours in Christ,
+The Rt. Rev. James Pollard Clark

Response from The Archbishop

From: The Most Reverend Robert Sherwood Morse
To: The Right Reverend James Pollard Clark
Date: September 7, 2001

Dear Bishop Clark:
Time is such a mystery. It seems but a moment since you were consecrated a Bishop in Washington, D.C., and now you seek a well-deserved rest. In this season of siege, when the very walls of Christendom are being undermined, your courage and unyielding faith have served as a source of strength to help rout the constant enemy at the gates. During your episcopacy, you have always worked with me as a loyal companion and brother apostle.

My only request is that your date of retirement be postponed until Saturday, January 26, 2002, the Feast of St. Polycarp, B.M., at which time the new Bishop of the South will be enthroned. The twenty-eighth of January, 2002 is the twenty-fourth anniversary of the Preservation of the American Episcopate, 1978. I can choose no other moment that would so recognize and mark the life commitment you have given and represented in this sacred cause.

With every good wish and blessing,
+The Most Rev. Robert Sherwood Morse

To All Clergy and Parishes

From: The Right Reverand James Pollard Clark, Bishop of the Diocese of the Southern States
To: All Clergy and Parishes of the Diocese of the Southern States
Date: September 13, 2001

Brethren:

As I have announced my retirement as Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Southern States, it is imperative that we elect a new bishop. Therefore, according to Canons 4.01 and 2.03 of the Diocese of the Southern States and Canon 9.05 of the Anglican Province of Christ the King, I am calling a special synod of the Diocese of the Southern States for the sole purpose of electing a new bishop.

The Executive Committee of the Council of Bishops, in accordance with Canon 9.05 (as amended, August 10, 2001) will announce the name of the candidate on the Feast of St. Matthew, September 21, 2001.

The synod will convene at 9:00 AM on November 9, 2001 at the Anglican Church of the Holy Comforter, Montevallo, AL. You will receive information on registration, hotel accommodtions and the synod agenda in the near future.

I suggest that each parish hold a parish meeting to elect delegates to this special synod and begin to make your plans to attend. I ask you to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit as we come to this historic moment and event in the life of our Diocese.

With every good wish and blessing,
+The Rt. Rev. James Pollard Clark