EL CAMINO REAL: BISHOP QUITS AFTER DIOCESAN STRUGGLE

Bishop Richard Shimpfky resigned as head of the Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real, effective March 31, 2004—after years of conflict with clergy and lay leadership.

Dr. Gordon Gritter of the Standing Committee stated: "There's been a conflict for a long time… and the bishop's response has been unsatisfactory and harmful to many."

Though the national church dismissed formal charges against him on a technicality, pressure mounted until Shimpfky proposed a separation package—which was accepted.

The diocese shrank from 30,000 to ~12,000 members under his 14-year tenure. Supporters praised his work in ethnic ministry and ordaining women. Critics accused him of inconsistent standards and authoritarian leadership.

A successor could take over a year to elect—and longer to heal the rift.