Scottish Bishops Propose Earlier Retirement Age

GLASGOW, Oct 8, 01 (CWNews.com) - Scotland's bishops have called for the right to retire at 65 rather than having to continued with diocesan responsibility into their 70s.

The bishops have said they think the responsibilities of office are too taxing for septuagenarians, and suggest that dropping the retirement age could let younger men become bishops, allowing fresh energy to be injected into the Church.

And they stressed that, once retired, retired bishops would still be able to work in parishes, often providing cover where the priest priest is over-stretched or even absent.

Bishop Vincent Logan, from the diocese of Dunkeld, told the synod of bishops currently meeting at the Vatican: "Bishops should have the option of retiring earlier-- after 25 years in the episcopacy."

Peter Kearney, a spokesman for the Church in Scotland told the Scotland on Sunday newspaper, "They would still be serving God. Some priests can become bishops in their early 40s, so by the time they hit 75 they have been in the post for up to 35 years. That is a very long time."

Catholic World News Service - Daily News Briefs
8. oktober 2001