Episcopal Bishop Douglas Fisher announces retirement plan

SPRINGFIELD ― Bishop Douglas J. Fisher of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts announced his plans to retire and has called for the election of the next bishop.

Based in Springfield, the Western Massachusetts Diocese covers Worcester County and spreads west to the New York state border.

“I am abundantly blessed to be your bishop,” Bishop Fisher said in a statement released on Friday. “For 12 years now, we have collaborated on Jesus’ mission of mercy, compassion and hope. It is in service to that mission that I am announcing plans for my retirement and calling for the election of the tenth bishop.”

The electing convention will be held in November. The Standing Committee of the diocese, which is based in Springfield, will lead the work of search and transition.

“I anticipate ‘handing over the crozier’ in March 2026,” Fisher said.

Bishop Fisher, who is a native of Long Island, New York, was consecrated the ninth bishop on Dec. 1, 2012. He succeeded Bishop Gordon Paul Scruton, who had been elected in 1996.

In a 2013 interview with the Telegram & Gazette, Bishop Fisher said the Episcopal community should be deeply involved in social justice issues, advocating for curbing climate change and curbing gun violence.

In 2019, the nation's Episcopal bishops passed a resolution Bishop Fisher proposed that supported investing in gun manufacturers and retailers in an attempt to influence the companies through shareholder advocacy.

In the statement announcing his retirement plans, Bishop Fisher expressed the deep gratitude he and his wife, the Rev. Elizabeth Fisher, feel “for these years with you and for the time that remains of our mutual ministry.”

“You have inspired us with your prayers, your pastoral care for one another, and your commitment to serving those in need,” he said. “Your next bishop will be joining you in a holy place where the way of love guides relationships and shapes mission.”

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Episcopal Bishop Douglas Fisher announces retirement plan