[Episcopal News Service] The Rt. Rev. Russell Jacobus, seventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Fond du Lac, has announced his intention to retire effective Oct. 31, 2013, according to a diocesan press release.

He made the announcement at the conclusion of the diocese’s 138th annual convention, meeting Oct. 20 in Manitowoc, Wisconsin. He has served as bishop of the diocese, which covers northeast Wisconsin, since his episcopal ordination in 1994.

In his comments to the convention, Jacobus said: “What a joy it is being the bishop of the Diocese of Fond du Lac. As I tell many people – this is a wonderful diocese.” But he said that, during the past year, he has come to the conclusion that “the diocese may need a new vision and voice…”

Jacobus also has called for the election of a successor at the diocese’s next annual convention in October 2013.

Jacobus is married to Jerrie and they have three adult children.

The Diocese of Fond du Lac includes almost 6,000 baptized members worshiping in 37 locations across the northeastern third of the State of Wisconsin.