Bishop Patrick Yu, suffragan bishop of the Diocese of Toronto and area bishop of York-Scarborough, has announced his retirement. In a letter to the clergy of York-Scarborough on March 13, Bishop Yu said he will be retiring at the end of January 2017.
“You may have noticed a certain hesitation in Karen if you have asked about my future plans lately,” wrote Bishop Yu, referring to Karen Isaacs, his administrative assistant. “That is because she is aware of my retirement plan, which, except for the details, is possibly the worst kept secret in the Diocese of Toronto.
“I have written to the Archbishop asking to retire at the end of January 2017. With his concurrence I announced this today at St. John, Willowdale. It was with that congregation that I worshipped as a new immigrant in 1970 when they met at the chapel at St. Paul, and it seemed fitting to announce my retirement there.
“It has been a privilege and a joy to work with such a talented and dedicated cadre of clergy and the faithful and delightful people we all serve. After my retirement I plan on teaching at Minghua Theological College in Hong Kong for the spring term, and will continue that ministry each spring for the two following years and perhaps longer. When I am in Canada I will be glad to offer myself in ministry appropriate for my situation.
“Please be patient with the many changes in this great diocese as it undergoes significant transition. I will continue to hold it in prayer, and with it, all of you. Please also pray for me and Kathy as we begin a new chapter in life.”
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Bishop Yu was educated at Mc- Master University and received his Master of Divinity degree from Wycliffe College in 1981, followed by a Doctor of Ministry from the Toronto School of Theology in 1997. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1982 and served in four parishes in the diocese before being elected bishop in 2006, the first bishop of Asian descent in the Anglican Church of Canada. He was the chair of Anglican Witness, the evangelism and church growth initiative of the Anglican Communion, until June 2015. He also chaired the Ontario Provincial Commission on Theological Education from 2006 to 2012.
The York-Scarborough episcopal area, located in the eastern part of Toronto, consists of 55 parishes offering services in a variety of languages. The area is also home to Flemingdon Park Ministry, New Hope Mandarin Ministry, All Saints, Sherbourne Street-Community Centre, the Mission to Seafarers and the convent of the Sisterhood of St. John the Divine.
More information about Bishop Yu’s retirement will be published as it becomes available.
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