A Letter from Bob Blessing
November 12, 2013

The Rev. Robert Blessing

Dear Colleagues,

This letter is one which I find extraordinarily difficult to write and do so only as a result of a VA recommendation and careful consultation with our bishop. It is a letter of resignation from St. Andrew's, La Mesa due to health issues connected to my deployments to Iraq as an Army Chaplain.

I want you to know how thankful I am for your love and fellowship as a fellow priest in the diocese.

Here's the background. Some of you may know I have been struggling with physical issues as a result of combat in Iraq, which have been further complicated by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from three deployments. Despite this, I have never had a stronger faith in Jesus Christ than I do now.

In order to eventually cease my medications, and be restored to full health, the VA doctors say that I need a time of spiritual healing so that I can cope with the brain injury I received in Iraq as well as the spiritual and moral wounds I suffered from that trauma. Because of all of this, the Church Pension Group has determined that I should begin receiving disability.

While it is my hope that I will someday be able to return to active ministry at a parish, this necessitates my resignation, effective November 1. Anne and I look to connect with you as a visitor in your worship services.

I want you to know that you will be in my prayers and I ask for yours.

God's peace and see you on Sunday,

Fr. Bob

The Rev. Robert Blessing