March 6, 2006
Communication to the Church: March 6, 2006
The First Presidency wishes to announce the retirement of Presiding
Evangelist Danny A. Belrose. Brother Belrose has requested retirement on April
30, 2006, from World Church appointment and corresponding release from his
role as presiding evangelist. His original plan was to time his full
retirement to coincide with the World Conference formerly scheduled for this
April. However, the special World Conference held in June 2005 rescheduled the
dates of the next World Conference to March 24–31, 2007.
The First Presidency was aware of Brother Belrose’s plans to retire in
advance of the 2005 World Conference and has been anticipating this
transition. At this time, we are happy to be able to honor his request to
retire on April 30. At that time he will be honorably released from his role
as presiding evangelist.
On behalf of the church, we express our deep appreciation for Danny’s years
of devoted service to the church. An appointee minister for the past
twenty-five years, Danny has served as missionary coordinator, pastor,
district president, president of seventy (Fifth Quorum), apostle for six
years, and presiding evangelist since April 2000. He also serves as an
instructor for the Community of Christ Seminary. The church has been greatly
blessed by Danny’s giftedness as a writer, through hymn texts, poetry,
articles, and books (Let the Spirit Breathe and Wave Offerings)
and his extraordinary skill in delivering the spoken word. In retirement, he
will continue to bless the church through his rich ministry as an evangelist.
At an appropriate time, prior to the 2007 World Conference, the president
of the church will provide counsel regarding the one called to serve as
presiding evangelist. In the meantime, the presiding evangelist office
functions will be coordinated by Rich Kohlman, secretary of the Order of
Evangelists, with general oversight provided by President Ken Robinson.
Brother Kohlman will continue in his primary assignment as coordinator of
Staff Pastoral Services.
The First Presidency
Retirement Announcement - Español
Retirement Announcement - Français
