Bishop Mariann Budde to resign

Bishop Mariann Budde announced Thursday that she plans to resign as the head of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She will remain in her position until June 2028, when her successor is scheduled to be consecrated.

The resignation begins a nearly two-year process to select a new leader. This process includes forming a search committee, selecting candidates, and electing a new bishop in January 2028. Budde noted that she is designating her departure as a resignation rather than a retirement because Episcopal bishops typically retain their title after leaving a post.

Budde told Religion News Service that she intends to return to her home state of Minnesota once her term ends. She stated her goal is to lead effectively during this transition and support the future leader of the diocese.