Bishop Susan Goff is pleased to announce that the Rev. Canon Abbott Bailey will return to Virginia in May to begin ministry as Interim Canon to the Ordinary. Bailey is currently the Canon to the Ordinary for the Diocese of California. Prior to that, she served as Rector of St. Andrew’s, Oregon Hill in Richmond, from 2008 to 2018.
“I am delighted that Abbott will join us in mission in the Diocese of Virginia,” Bishop Goff said. “The pool of available candidates who know the Diocese of Virginia, who have experience as a Canon to the Ordinary and who are available quickly for a short term is extremely small. The Holy Spirit worked overtime to bring Abbott to us.”
Responsibilities that Canon Bailey will assume include coordination of the Title IV procedures, oversight of our continuing pandemic response and support of congregations in conflict and transition.
“It is a rare gift and a privilege to be called to serve my home diocese as Interim CTO in such a unique time of transition,” said Canon Bailey. “I pray my skills, experience, and love of this place will serve you well in the months ahead. I am truly grateful to be joining you all in ministry as we follow the movement of the Holy Spirit in these times!”
Canon Bailey succeeds the Rev. Canon Mary Thorpe who retired in March. “Mary leaves large shoes to fill,” said Bishop Goff. “We are blessed that the Rev. Canon Abbott Bailey has all that it takes to fill them well.”