Partner synod bishop steps down
The Rev. Stephen G. Marsh, bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), informed the synod June 25 that he is resigning as bishop effective June 28. Marsh said he is "personally dealing with a number of emotional health issues, including addiction issues" and must enter an inpatient treatment facility.
"The counsel I have received from my therapists and from my own heart is that my healing in a safe environment and building a firm foundation on a road to recovery need to be my primary concerns for as long as it takes," Marsh wrote in his resignation letter. "Unfortunately, with that agenda, I will not be able to faithfully execute my duties as bishop of the Southeast Michigan Synod in ways that are needed in the present and the immediate future."
