Press Release

The Evangelical Catholic Diocese of the Northwest

Office of the Bishop

Telephone:  773-721-5383   Fax: 773-721-2581

For Immediate Release

Chicago, Illinois – June 28, 2006

Bishop's Statement on
President John Stroger's Retirement

The following is a statement by Bishop James Wilkowski, Evangelical Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of the Northwest regarding the announcement of Cook County Board President John Stroger's retirement from public office due to illness:

"I am saddened that circumstances will not permit Cook County Board President John Stroger to continue as President of the Cook County Board.  His many years of unconditional commitment fidelity to his vocation to public service has enriched the lives of the people of Cook County.

The fruits of President Stroger's work on behalf of Cook County shall be his legacy and the standards for his successors to follow.

I call upon a grateful community to remember President Stroger and his family in their prayers and I hope that President Stroger will keep us in his prayers"

Respectfully Yours in Christ,

Evangelical Catholic Bishop for the Diocese of the Northwest
Chicago, Illinois