Winnipeg, 15 September 2012–In a letter to members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada’s (ELCIC) Synod of Alberta and the Territories, Bishop Ronald Mayan announced his resignation and retirement effective October 31, 2012.
Bishop Mayan was elected to the position six years ago. In his letter he shared that he felt uplifted in his ministry as Synod Bishop by the "genuine love, respect and consideration" he felt from throughout the synod. "It has been an honour to serve you as your bishop."
"The piece of leadership of the Synod which was mine to do and which I assuredly know was Gods will for me has now been completed," said Bishop Mayan as an explanation of his retirement which comes two years before his current four-year term is complete. "I have been convinced by the counsel of mentors, friends, and trusted associates that ‘I have no more mountains to climb’ in behalf of our beloved Synod. It seems good to the Spirit and to us that now is the time for me to step down from responsibilities as bishop."
"The whole church joins the Synod of Alberta and the Territories in giving thanks to God for the ministry of Bishop Ron Mayan, and in wishing him and his wife Dianne all the best in retirement," said ELCIC National Bishop Susan C. Johnson. "I ask all members of the ELCIC to join me in praying for the Synod as they prepare to gather in special convention and elect a new bishop."
In a meeting of ABT Synod Council, members shared their deep gratitude for the service of Bishop Mayan and officially granted him retired status. A book of gratitude will be circulated throughout the Synod’s upcoming conference conventions for members to add their messages of appreciation.
As a way of moving the Synod forward "as quickly and seamlessly as possibly," Synod Council approved a motion to meet in special convention on Saturday, October 27, 2012. The motion comes in compliance with ABT Synod Bylaws, Part V. Section 10a : Special conventions for specified purposes shall be called by the chairperson of the synod within ninety days of receiving in writing a request for such a convention from: i. The synod council by at least a two-thirds majority vote, ….
As per Synod Bylaws, delegates to this special convention will be, "the lay delegates who were seated in the preceding regular convention provided that they have not been disqualified by termination of membership in the congregation they represented; Ordained ministers on the roster of the Synod at the time of the special convention; and Diaconal ministers on the roster of the Synod at the time of the special convention."
Synod Council announced that the agenda for the special convention will include: "election of bishop; and an amendment to the synod bylaws which would allow for a triennial convention of the Synod rather than a biennial."
The Rev. Timothy Posyluzny, chair of ABT’s Synod Council asked members of the synod to, "continue to hold Bishop Ron and Dianne in your prayers as they begin this new chapter in their lives and ministry; and, please remember in prayer our Synod as we move into the future Our Lord is preparing for us."
