In an adjustment to C4SO’s episcopal transition timeline, Bishop Todd will retire earlier than originally planned, with Bishop-Elect Jeff Bailey set to be consecrated, installed and assume full leadership this September.
Originally scheduled to retire in May 2026, Bishop Todd will now step down on September 30, 2025. The decision, which comes after prayerful discernment and consultation with the diocesan Executive Leadership Team, reflects both Bishop Todd’s personal readiness and Bishop-Elect Jeff’s preparedness to lead.
Bishop Todd’s health remains stable, but he shared in an email to the diocese that he recognizes the limitations of this stage in his life and ministry. Drawing on his well-known love for baseball, he likened the moment to a veteran athlete who, after years of faithful play, senses it’s time to cheer the team on from the sidelines.
The timing marks a natural and needed transition for Bishop Todd. He expressed full confidence in Bishop-Elect Jeff Bailey and the leadership team’s ability to move the diocese forward with clarity and strength. The Executive Leadership Team echoed this trust, affirming that the diocese is positioned for a smooth handoff.
Beginning August 1, Bishop-Elect Jeff will enter into a two-month intensive of training and orientation under Bishop Todd’s guidance. These final weeks of overlap are designed to ensure a seamless transition of spiritual leadership, administrative responsibility, and mission and vision.
The culmination of this process will take place the weekend of September 26–27, 2025, when the C4SO community will gather at Truro Anglican Church in Fairfax, Virginia, for Bishop-Elect Jeff’s Consecration and Installation. Following the event, Bishop-Elect Jeff will assume the full responsibilities of Diocesan Bishop and begin leading the diocese into its next chapter.
Though Bishop Todd will no longer serve as Diocesan Bishop after September, he will continue to serve C4SO in a new capacity. As Bishop Emeritus, he will launch and lead a capital campaign aimed at empowering C4SO to continue planting churches and raising up new leaders. This campaign will be his sole responsibility as it will require significant travel and ongoing engagement with churches across the diocese. Framing the campaign as his “final act of planting,” Bishop Todd emphasized his desire to leave C4SO well-positioned for a future of ministry for the sake of others.
Thanking God for Bishop Todd’s ministry and eager to see what God will do in the future, C4SO looks forward to the Consecration and Installation in September and the formal beginning of Bishop-Elect Jeff’s tenure. Join us for the weekend!
Questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out.