West Virginia Bishop Klusmeyer calls for election of coadjutor, taking step toward retiring

Posted Oct 22, 2019

[Diocese of West Virginia] The Rt. Rev. W. Michie Klusmeyer, seventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia, called for the election of a bishop coadjutor for his diocese. This formally begins a search process to identify and to elect the person who will become the eighth bishop of The Episcopal Church in the Mountain State.

Klusmeyer made the announcement over the weekend during the diocese’s 142nd Annual Convention at Oglebay Resort and Conference Center in Wheeling, which was the first home to the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia before it relocated to Charleston. Although Klusmeyer has not set a date for his retirement, the search process begins after a search committee is formed by the Diocesan Standing Committee. This approach allows for a smooth transition from the bishop to his successor.

Klusmeyer ended the announcement by expressing his appreciation to his diocese, where he became bishop on Oct. 13, 2001. “This diocese has changed my life,” he said. “This has been a blessing to me. You have brought joy and grace to my life.”

By canons of The Episcopal Church, once the bishop coadjutor is consecrated, tentatively planned for June 2021, Klusmeyer can remain for three additional years or elect to retire earlier.

The Episcopal Church in West Virginia is more than 8,000 members strong. The first church in present-day West Virginia was established as a log structure that became known as Morgan Chapel near Bunker Hill in 1740. Today, there are 63 congregations in the state.

To learn more about The Episcopal Church or the convention, visit wvdiocese.org.


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