Retired Bishop Robert Ihloff called as bishop associate for Diocese of Virginia

Posted Feb 8, 2018

[Diocese of Virginia] The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston is pleased to announce his appointment of the Rt. Rev. Robert Ihloff as bishop associate in the Diocese of Virginia. Bishop Ihloff served as the bishop of the Diocese of Maryland from 1995 until his retirement in 2007. He will provide key support to the Diocese of Virginia during the transition between Bishop Ted Gulick’s retirement at the end of 2017 and the election of a second bishop suffragan later this year. Read full bio.

“I have long admired Bishop Ihloff’s work in the Diocese of Maryland and in the broader Church,” said Bishop Johnston, “and I know how valuable his skills and gifts will be to our diocese during this time of transition. Bob is both a strong leader and a model of humility. Also, he is a compelling combination of optimism and straight-talk, in which each of those qualities is strengthened by the other one. He is eager to get started, and I am eager to welcome him.”

Like Bishop Gulick, Bishop Ihloff (pronounced Ee-loff) will work out of the diocesan office in Northern Virginia. He will make Sunday visitations and provide support to clergy and congregations across the diocese.

“Because my favorite ministries are preaching, teaching and working with parishes on issues of mission and congregational development, and because I find it humbling and exciting to work with clergy on discerning their roles in ministry, I am excited about assisting as a bishop in Virginia,” said Bishop Ihloff. “Virginia is a very healthy diocese with fine leadership.  Over my years in neighboring Maryland, I have come to appreciate the ways in which the Diocese of Virginia models mission and ministry, and I feel privileged to share a small role in that ministry as your bishop associate.”

Bishop Ihloff’s first day on the job is March 11. Please join Bishop Shannon in welcoming him to the Diocese of Virginia.


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