[Episcopal News Service] The Rt. Rev. Dabney T. Smith, the 5th bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, has actually revealed that he prepares to retire at the end of 2022. Smith, who has actually worked as diocesan bishop because 2007, made the statement in an e-mail to the diocese on May 11.

Smith composed that due to the trouble of coping with numerous myeloma, he will retire at the end of the fiscal year.

Smith called an election for a bishop coadjutor in 2020, expecting his own retirement. On April 2, 2022, the Really Rev. Douglas F. Scharf was chosen He is set up to start operate in the diocese on July 1, be consecrated bishop coadjutor on Sept. 24 and will end up being diocesan bishop upon Smith’s retirement.

” My retirement at the end of 2022 will enable Bishop-elect Scharf and me to have some overlap for numerous months,” Smith composed. “I am pleased with the election of Fr. Scharf– he will bring a brand-new focus and energy to the episcopate. … He will be a fine, caring, and thoughtful bishop for us.

” I thank you for your generosity, care, and prayers. You have actually provided my life a tower of strength.”