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Since Bishop Timothy W. Cravens announced his retirement as Presiding Bishop beginning July 1, the chapter of canons of the Independent Catholic Christian Church (ICCC) has been meeting together, thoughtfully and prayerfully considering the next steps forward.
The chapter of canons determined that the needs of the ICCC would be served best by electing two bishops. On Tuesday, August 17, 2021 the canons selected Lyngine Calizo as the Presiding Bishop of the ICCC and Michael Shirk as the Auxiliary Bishop. The date of the consecration mass will be September 26 and Bp. Timothy Cravens will be the chief consecrator. Our heartfelt thanks go to Bp. Cait Finnegan and Bp. Lynn Elizabeth Walker, who have graciously agreed to be co-consecrators. The chapter of canons looks forward to working together with Bishops-Elect Lyngine Calizo and Michael Shirk, continuing to build on the foundation of organization and faith that Bishop Tim began. We invite you to celebrate with us, and pray for them and the ICCC. God has blessed the Independent Catholic Christian Church with 19 years of service by Bishop Timothy W. Cravens. He has been our Bishop, our guide, our co-worker in Christ, our counselor, our teacher, our friend. With joy and sadness we mark and celebrate the ending of his ministry with us and his retirement beginning July 1, 2021. He has set the church on a strong foundation, helped us to mark our direction, and encouraged us on our way. Together we have served the Lord and his Church in common devotion to the Gospel. Sharing in our joys and sorrows, he has been important to us in our life together in the Church of Jesus Christ. As he has been a blessing to us, may he go forth to be a blessing to others. With gratitude and hope, our prayers and blessings go with him also.
Bp. Timothy Cravens, Presiding Bishop Emeritus, holds a BA in Judaic Studies from Emory University and a Master of Divinity from Harvard University. In the summer of 2004, he officiated at a number of same-sex weddings in New Paltz, NY as part of the New Paltz Equality Initiative organized to continue the courageous work of Mayor Jason West. He co-founded the Independent Catholic Christian Church in 2002 and served as pastor at St. Mary of Grace Parish for 16 years. |
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