Diocese of Waiapu – Media Release

October 29th 2013

Bishop David Rice to return to the USA

Bishop David Rice has announced his intention to resign as the Bishop of Waiapu so that he can take up an appointment as a bIshop in California.

Bishop David, who was born and raised in the US, is making the move in response to the needs of his extended US family. He was Dean of Dunedin for seven years before being installed as the 15th Bishop of Waiapu in 2008.

Archbishop Philip Richardson, who is the senior bishop of the seven New Zealand dioceses, says the three Primates, or leaders of the Anglican Church here, have accepted Bishop David’s resignation with regret.

“For the last five and half years, Bishop David has thrown himself, body and soul, into serving the Diocese of Waiapu.

“His people here will miss him. Equally, they will understand, as we do, the responsibilities we all have to care for our extended whanau. He and Tracy will return to the US with our blessing and prayers.”

Bishop David is to become the Provisional Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of San Joaquin, which is in eastern California, and he will take up that role in February next year.

He has been asked to take on that role by the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church (the Anglican Church in the USA) and by the San Joaquin diocese itself.

Bishop David says leaving New Zealand will be an emotional wrench for his family.

“New Zealand is a country that we have loved well for 18 years, and know intimately. I have been a vicar, dean and bishop here, and this is the place where our children have spent their entire lives.”

“But the need is urgent. We feel it is right for us to take this step – and a response to God’s prompting.”

Bishop David will leave the Diocese of Waiapu in February and planning is underway for a process to elect a successor next year. Dates are yet to be confirmed.

Note: The Anglican Diocese of Waiapu stretches from the Hawkes Bay to Eastland and the Bay of Plenty.

ENDS

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