William and Sidney Sanders Conference on Orderly Transitions

This five-day course is designed for bishops within two to three years of planned retirement and their spouse/partner. Typically held on a biennial basis, the conference offers a theological, spiritual and practical framework for bishops and spouses to prepare for the transition into retirement. It includes:

A theological and spiritual framework for approaching retirement and post-retirement living
Some prevalent attitudes, pre-conceptions and expectations about retirement
Retirement as a time of transition
The impact of retirement on long-term relationships – marriage, family, friendships – and new ones
Financial planning and the Church Pension Fund
Practical issues relating to post-retirement living (e.g. location, staying busy – or not, self care)
Institutional concerns – retirement of the Bishop and transition for the Diocese
Time for personal reflection, relaxation and easy conversation

The conference provides bishops the opportunity to focus on their upcoming transition and to benefit from the thoughts and experiences of friends and colleagues doing the same. Over the years, many bishops and bishops’ spouses have found this time away a valuable and unique experience.

Bishops and spouses have taken away the following from this course:

Renewed and new friendships
Hope for the future
Good conversations with spouse
A more positive opinion of retirement opportunities
A broader perspective on options
Common goals/expectations with spouse
Experiences/anticipations of other bishops & spouses
Clarity regarding finances
Trusting God’s presence and plan in all this