BISHOP WILLIAM SCOTT HAS RETIRED!

After 20 years of service, Bishop William Scott, has retired from both the Mt Calvary Church Of God In Christ (COGIC), of Washington Park, Illinois, as pastor and the Illinois Southeast Jurisdiction, as jurisdictional prelate. Scott was known throughout the St. Louis area for his dynamic preaching ability.

In COGIC, when a Jurisdictional Bishop retires, resigns or becomes incapacitated; both the local church and the jurisdiction falls under the leadership of the Presiding Bishop or his designee. Most offices (with the exception of a few) become immediately vacant. In this case, Bishop Scott had already appointed Pastor Charles Rodgers as pastor of Mt Calvary, prior to his (Scott's) retirement. Rodgers is a well-loved minister from Columbus, OH that used to live in the St. Louis area.

Nevertheless, the jurisdiction has been delegated to fall under the leadership of Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten, one of the General Board members of COGIC. Bishop Wooten will serve as "interim bishop," and will oversee the process of "recommendation" for the next jurisdictional bishop. Wooten resides in St Louis, Missouri, right across the Mississippi River. 

The Presiding Bishop is the only person in COGIC who can "make" a bishop; with the approval of both the General Board and the General Assembly. The tradition is that the pastors in "good standing" with the national Church, are normally allowed to vote on a "recommendation" for the next bishop. However, it is only a recommendation. 

To become a jurisdictional bishop of an existing jurisdiction is a tedious process. And, it should be - as this is a very important office and should not be taken lightly. A gentleman must: (1) "win" the recommendation, (2) be approved by the Presiding Bishop, (3) be ratified by the General Board, (4) be ratified by the General Assembly, (5) pass all screening and background checks, (6) attend the Episcopal Academy and meet all of its prerequisites, (7) be inducted into the Board of Bishops in the "Induction Chamber" (8) receive consecration, at the hands of the Presiding Bishop and the General Board and (9) receive an official certificate of consecration and appointment from the office of the General Secretary. 

There are a number of qualified men to ascend to this office Illinois Southeast. We are praying for God to bring to the forefront, whom He (God) desires to stand in this holy office; and we are praying for Bishop Scott and his wife to enjoy their retirement.