Stoughton Town Moderator Stepping Down To Become A Priest

STOUGHTON, MA — After two years as Stoughton's town moderator, Adam Dawkins is leaving his position and the town he loves for his faith. Dawkins has decided to join the Episcopalian priesthood, and along with his family, will move to Sewanee, Tennessee to start his theological education at the University of the South.

Dawkins in a letter to Stoughton's town meeting representatives said the decision wasn't easy and was something he's spent several years thinking about.

"Leaving Stoughton — the town I have grown to love so very much — is the hardest part of this process," Dawkins said in the letter. "But as I take my leave of you for now, please know that I hold each of you in my heart and in my prayers as I embark on this journey to toward ordained ministry."

Although Dawkins will be gone for three years, he said he plans to return as a seminarian of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. The diocese, as well as the Trinity Episcopal Church in Stoughton, sponsored Dawkins, which he said he's grateful for.

"I am especially grateful to my parish family at Trinity Church in Stoughton who have raised me up and sponsored me for this process, and I look forward to entering full time formation beginning this Fall," said Dawkins.

Dawkins will officially resign from his post as town moderator on July 1. Deputy moderator Jeanne Fleming will take over the role on an interim basis until the town selects a new moderator in next April's election.