Bishop Rose resigns in Grand Rapids; Bishop Britt succeeds him

Published: 2003-10-13

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Pope John Paul II has accepted the resignation of Bishop Robert J. Rose of Grand Rapids, Mich., leading to the automatic succession of his coadjutor, Bishop Kevin M. Britt. Archbishop Gabriel Montalvo, apostolic nuncio to the United States, made the announcement in Washington Oct. 13. Bishop Rose, 73, has been a bishop since 1981 and headed the Grand Rapids Diocese since 1989. No reason was given for his retirement two years before the normal retirement age of 75 for bishops. Bishop Britt, 58, was ordained a bishop in January 1994, serving as a Detroit auxiliary. He was named coadjutor in Grand Rapids Dec. 10, 2002, and installed Feb. 12.

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