It was announced this morning that Bishop James E. Dorff has resigned as Bishop of the San Antonio Episcopal Area and the Rio Texas Annual Conference effective December 31, 2015. He will begin a leave of absence immediately.

This is, of course, a very difficult time for the clergy, lay leadership, staff and churches of the Rio Texas Annual Conference. This is a time when we are grateful for the connectional structure of The United Methodist Church. We will be assisted by Bishop Mike McKee, President of the South Central Jurisdictional College of Bishops, as we seek to heal and to move forward in our mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. With close to 400 churches in Rio Texas, we are working everyday throughout our part of the state to make a difference in our communities. While this is very difficult news for us, we remain steadfast in our desire to bring healing, wholeness and peace, through ministries that feed and clothe the poor, care for children and teach people about the love of God through Jesus Christ.

More information can be found on the website of The United Methodist Church:

Rio Texas Bishop Resigns