Dear C4SO Community,

Some of you know I love sports metaphors—especially baseball. Imagine with me that I am 42 years old, a 22-year Major League veteran, trying to hang on late in my pitching career. At the bottom of the sixth inning, I feel my elbow pop. Arm dangling, I say, “Coach, my body won’t let me do what my heart desires.”

We are not in control of “done” moments—moments when you realize you can no longer make the contributions you did as a young person. These moments come on their own timetable. But for an athlete, the message is clear: It’s time to cheer on the team off the field.

I am like that athlete. I knew I was approaching the final stretch of my ministry—my time as C4SO’s Diocesan Bishop—but it came sooner than I thought. While my health is stable, I am weary. I’ve decided to move my official retirement date from May 1, 2026 to September 30, 2025 to allow Bishop-Elect Jeff to assume the role of Diocesan Bishop.

I absolutely trust Jeff and the team we’ve built to carry the diocese forward with strength and clarity. Jeff is ready to take this on. He will start his onboarding August 1, and I’ll concentrate August and September on training and equipping him for the role.

To facilitate Jeff fully assuming the role of Diocesan Bishop this fall, we will install him as Diocesan Bishop at the Consecration at Truro Anglican Church the weekend of September 26-27. He will begin to function as the Diocesan Bishop immediately after this combined event.

So what does the next year hold for me? My title will change to Bishop Emeritus, and I will assume a different set of responsibilities in the diocese. In October, I will begin a year-long capital campaign as my final act of planting C4SO, setting us up for a strong and vibrant future of ministry for the sake of others. This will be my only role in the diocese as it will require a great deal of travel and time. I’m looking forward to visiting many C4SO churches and getting a chance to interact with you in this new capacity!

I believe we are set up for a smooth and successful transition despite this unforeseen change in the timeline. Thank you for your understanding and support during this season as I prepare for retirement.

Grace and peace,

Bishop Todd