Bishop Completes Farewell Pilgrimage

John Thornton, Idaho’s Episcopal bishop, celebrated his retirement with a pilgrimage to churches across southern Idaho.

Thornton, who has led the 6,000 Episcopalians in central and southern Idaho for eight years, walked 12 days and 150 miles to bid his parishioners farewell.

Groups of church members, from eight to 28 strong, walked with him, between Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Twin Falls and Sun Valley, Caldwell and Boise.

“People have gone on pilgrimages for centuries to experience God,” Thornton said. “We consider our churches holy places, so we are walking from one holy place to another.”

Thornton, 67, walked 10 to 12 miles each day, discussing a range of topics with his entourage along the way.