Episcopalians: The Worker-Bishop

The Right Rev. James A. Pike, Episcopal Bishop of California, has been in charge of one of his church's fastest-growing dioceses for eight years, during which time he has also become absorbed in exploring the frontiers of modern theology. Deciding that he could not adequately do both, the yeasty and iconoclastic prelate last week announced that he will resign his see and become a member of the resident staff of Robert Hutchins' Center for the Study of Democratic Institutions in Santa Barbara. MIND OVER MITER, headlined the New York Daily News.

"I had to make a decision—I'm not twins," Pike explained. "I have been aware of an overextension of two roles: that of administrator and leader as bishop, and that of teacher-scholar." Last fall, tired by his double duties, Pike, who is now 53, took a six-month sabbatical, spent most of it studying at Cambridge University. There, he said, "I experienced the sheer joy of staying with something for more than a disconnected hour."

After Pike's return to San Francisco, Hutchins, a longtime friend, suggested that he join the Center. Pike then submitted his resignation to the standing committee of the diocese, which accepted it "with deep regret," and to Presiding Bishop John Hines. If the House of Bishops agrees, Pike will keep his standing on three committees of the church. The Center will pick up Pike's salary of about $17,000 a year.

Another factor in Pike's decision may well have been the suicide of his eldest son last February, giving him a burden of sorrow to bear on top of his heavy duties. Under the circumstances, it is almost certain that the House of Bishops will let Pike go. Some prelates, in fact, will be delighted to see him leave the active hierarchy, since he has persistently outraged colleagues with his unconventional theological views. Pike has expressly denied the Incarnation, the Trinity, the Virgin birth and the physical resurrection of Christ.

As a self-supporting worker-bishop, he will have even more freedom to say what he thinks. Among issues that he intends to study at the Center: the role of "the church as a democratic institution and how it relates to other institutions in our society," the theological implications of the Dead Sea Scrolls.