Standing Committee Gives Thanks for Service of our Visiting Bishop

​In a letter to the diocese, the Reverend Canon Caleb J. Lee, as President of the Standing Committee, has announced that our Visiting Bishop, the Right Reverend Henry N. Parsley, Jr., will conclude his time with our diocese effective June 1, 2021.

Read the letter at this link, or read the text below:

Ascensiontide 2021

Dear Faithful People of the Diocese of South Carolina,

In January of 2020, your Standing Committee entered into an agreement with The Right Reverend Henry Parsley for him to become our visiting bishop during our time of transition as we sought to elect a diocesan bishop.

I write to inform you that our visiting bishop, The Right Reverend Henry Parsley, will be concluding his time with us effective June 1, 2021. This was mutually agreed upon by Bishop Parsley and the Standing Committee and is in good order as Bishop-elect Ruth Woodliff-Stanley transitions into our diocese.

Bishop Parsley has a deep understanding of South Carolina and appreciation of our history, as well as hope for our future. We are most appreciative of his willingness to offer the gifts of wisdom and experience during this season of transition and pandemic. As a visiting bishop, Bishop Parsley ordained two deacons in the Southern Deanery as well as one priest, uniquely, at Bowen’s Island in Folly Beach. He has also issued pastoral letters, meditations, and homilies during important times in our common life. His most recent meditation at the Special Convention for the Election of a Bishop was particularly poignant.

He has been a steadfast advisor and help to diocesan leadership. In particular, he has been a tremendous asset as guide and consultant to the Standing Committee. He has also represented the Diocese of South Carolina in the House of Bishops, keeping us connected not only to Province IV but also the entire Episcopal Church.

We are grateful to Bishop Parsley for his ministry among us during this historic time and we wish him and Becky all the best as they continue to live into retirement in Wilmington, NC.

Yours in Christ,

The Reverend Canon Caleb J. Lee
President of the Standing Committee

---