Barry to Call End to His Sabbatical

Senior city officials said Wednesday that Mayor Marion Barry will end his unscheduled sabbatical this weekend and return to work next week.

City Administrator Michael C. Rogers said the mayor’s return to the city is imminent but he did not give details. Rogers predicted Barry will resume his duties immediately upon his return.

Barry remained at a religious conference center outside St. Louis, marking the 11th day of a quest for what he has described as “spiritual and physical renewal.” He was conspicuous by his absence at a prayer breakfast he sponsored.

None of the speakers at the breakfast offered any explanation for Barry’s decision to abandon work or for the vague statements he and others have since made, stirring speculation about the mayor’s health and state of mind.