[Episcopal News Service] Bishop Wayne Wright of the Episcopal Diocese of Delaware has announced that he intends to retire early in 2017 and has called for the election of his successor.

The diocesan Standing Committee will now begin planning for the election of the next bishop.

Wright wrote in a blog post on April 27 that he has been blessed during his 19 years as bishop. “Seeing so many good things happen is a source of great satisfaction to me,” he wrote. “Today all of our congregations are served by a remarkable and faithful group of clergy. Our Episcopal schools, Memorial House, Camp Arrowhead and our many other ministries are also doing well. Our diocese rests on a sound financial and administrative foundation. There is a genuine sense of unity among the lay leaders, clergy, and staff who do so much to support and guide our diocese.

“With so many things going well I believe that this is the right time for me to move toward retirement and for the diocese to begin planning the election of your next bishop.”