The Rt. Rev. Rayford B. High, Jr., announced his retirement at the annual diocesan clergy conference October 25 at Camp Allen. Bishop High, who will be 70 in January 2011, told the more than 300 clergy gathered that his decision had been difficult and that his 44 years of ministry in the Diocese of Texas and West Texas held many blessings for both he and his wife Pat. He has served as bishop suffragan for seven years.

     "Each day I offer thanks to the Lord for calling me into ministry, first as deacon, then priest, and now as bishop. I am deeply humbled by God's call and God's continuing strength and presence in my life and ministry.  What a blessing it has been for me, Pat and my family to service Christ and Christ's Church and people," Bishop High said.

     There will be no election for a new suffragan bishop following Bishop High's retirement April 30, 2011, Bishop Andy Doyle said.  "I have asked the Standing Committee to allow me to appoint an assisting bishop and have received their consent. I will ask Council delegates to approve the request in February," he said.

     "We have been blessed by Rayford and Pat's ministry among us and we will celebrate that at Council at a special reception following the opening Eucharist, February 11," Bishop Doyle said.

Registration for the reception will be separate from Diocesan Council registration. Details will be included in the Diolog, the diocesan e-news.