Two documents Follow:

(1) Letter from Bishop Skilton

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

After much prayer, counsel, consideration, and recognition of the Canonical safeguards respecting Suffragan Bishops, I have decided to resign as Bishop Suffragan of South Carolina. This decision, freely made by me, is at the request of the Standing Committee of the Diocese and with the concurrence of the Bishop-elect, Mark Lawrence. The Standing Committee has agreed to provide me with all the benefits that I requested.

I believe my departure will enable Father Lawrence to create a diocesan staff that will more effectively respond to his developing vision and gifts that he brings to the Diocese. My resignation will, accordingly, become effective December 31, 2006.

I am indebted to you, the people of the Diocese, for your support of my ministry over these 42 years as a Deacon, Mission Priest, College Chaplain, Parish Priest, and a Bishop Suffragan since March 2, 1996. Both Lynn and I are thankful for the enduring love shown to us during these years.

My plan now is to concentrate on the work that I have been doing nationally and internationally in the wider church. I am and will continue to be a Missionary Bishop - a Latino - and the vineyard in which I will work in the future is a developing one.

Please be assured of my continued support of you and of my continued support of your Bishop-elect, Mark Lawrence, as he begins his new ministry among you. I believe that he and his wife, Allison, will be a blessing during these troubled times in our Church.

Finally, I thank you for allowing this “Hispanic” to minister to you and with you; and be assured that I will continue to proudly wear Bishop Temple’s ring.

Paz in Christ,

The Rt. Rev. William J. Skilton

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(2) Statement from the Diocesan Standing Committee

Statement by the Standing Committee upon the resignation and retirement of The Right Rev. William J. Skilton

The Diocese of South Carolina is deeply grateful to Bishop William Skilton for his committed ministry among us as Bishop Suffragan over the past eleven years. His warmth and genuine affection have won the hearts of many. He is a caring and dedicated pastor who has modeled for us compassion, justice and equality for all God's people.

We are particularly grateful for his vision for global ministry. His missionary zeal has inspired us in this diocese to a new commitment to the Church outside our borders. Because of Bishop Skilton's ministry among us, we have established strong relationships with our brothers and sisters in our companion diocese of the Dominican Republic, and have learned ever more deeply to welcome the "strangers among us."

We are especially appreciative of Bill’s sensitivity and cooperation over these past weeks as we discussed and designed his retirement. After Bill had made his decision to step down, he agreed to absent himself from the Diocesan office and curtail his normal activities during this time of transition.

We trust that Bill’s activities as “Bishop retired” will shine with the same luster as his previous 42 years of ministry. We pray that God’s blessing will pursue and overtake both Bill and his wife Lynn as they continue in the venture of following our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

In Christ alone,

The Rev. J. Haden McCormick

For the Standing Committee