Bishop Richard S.O. Chang, head of the Episcopal Diocese in Hawai'i, announced his retirement yesterday at the group's annual convention in Maui.

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i is one of the smallest dioceses in the Episcopal Church, with about 6,000 members in 40 congregations.

Chang intends to retire in 2007, probably in the spring, after more than 10 years as bishop and nearly 40 as priest.

"I believe that I have served the church faithfully for these years," he said in his address. "I believe that I leave the Diocese of Hawai'i in a healthier place than when I began my episcopal ministry in 1996. I believe that the time is right for the diocese to move into your future with new episcopal leadership. More importantly, I believe that the time is right for me and my family."

Chang, who intends to remain in office until his successor is consecrated, was born and grew up in Honolulu.

Ordained in 1966, he served two congregations in Hawai'i before becoming a member of the diocesan staff in 1979.

From 1986 to 1996, he served at the Episcopal Church's national headquarters in New York City as assistant to the presiding bishop and chief operating officer.

He became the fourth bishop of the Episcopal diocese in Jan. 4, 1997.