[Episcopal News Service] Dallas Bishop George Sumner said Sept. 18 in a message to the diocese that he intends to retire from leadership of the diocese on Jan. 1, handing ecclesiastical authority to his successor Bishop Coadjutor Robert Price, who was consecrated earlier this month.
“I will have completed a little more than 10 years as bishop, and will be closing in on the age of 71 (in my 51st year of church work),” Sumner said. “At that time, Stephanie and I will be moving to Boston, Massachusetts, the place of our ancestors.”
Sumner was consecrated bishop of the Diocese of Dallas in November 2015 after beginning his ordained ministry as a priest in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts in 1981.
“Stephanie and I are both grateful to God for the surpassing privilege of serving with you in the Diocese of Dallas,” Sumner said. “I have worked with a remarkable family of clergy. I have great confidence in the gifts of Bishop Price, and feel anticipation for the future the Holy Spirit is opening for the diocese.”