WHEELING – Local clergy describe Bishop Mark Brennan as a man willing to share his personal experiences, reach out to those of other religions and backgrounds, and foster peace in the community.

They also say they will miss his presence in the Wheeling area.

Brennan, 79, built relationships with clergy of other faiths during his tenure as bishop of the Diocese of Wheeling, a role he assumed in 2017. He also reached out to people of all races and economic backgrounds.

“I’m sorry to see him go, but my understanding is that all bishops are required to submit their resignations to the Pope when they turn 75,” said Rabbi Joshua Lief of Temple Shalom. “It is quite telling that the Pope didn’t immediately accept his resignation.”

Lief described Brennan as “a tremendous friend and colleague.”

“I was honored to work with him on many projects to do more good in the wider Wheeling community,” Lief said. “I look forward to working with his successor and building bridges across faiths so we can improve the lives of all in the city, state, country, and world.”

Brennan will be succeeded by Most Rev. Evelio Menjiva-Ayala, a native of El Salvador.

Lief and Brennan collaborated on Holocaust memorial programs and events to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001. They also worked together on projects to benefit Wheeling Health Right.

“We worked together to feed the hungry and heal the sick,” Lief continued. “We also worked on projects to help people transition from homelessness to civility.”

“I hope to build a similar relationship with his successor.”

Rev. Erica Harley of Vance Memorial Presbyterian Church also expressed regret about Brennan’s departure.

“It saddens me that someone with such integrity will not be in that position anymore,” she said. “His kindness and decency brought a whole different spirit to ecumenical and interfaith relations. He will be missed.”

Harley and Brennan participated in a domestic violence awareness project together. Brennan was deeply committed to ending domestic violence, a cause shaped by experiences he had early in his ministry.

“He said this had affected his ministry,” Harley said. “He is such a kind and intelligent man.”

Bishop Darrell Cummings of the Bethlehem Apostolic Temple in North Wheeling added that Brennan “was a great blessing to the community.”

“He came during a tumultuous time, and he brought peace and restoration to his church,” Cummings said. “I have been blessed in the last 40 years to work with several bishops. He was unique in his willingness to reach across religious, racial, or economic lines.”

“He made himself available and even wrote articles. He didn’t hide away.”

Cummings said he will greatly miss Brennan.

“He gave us insight into how he grew and how he came to be who he was,” he continued. “He told us about his childhood and the racial challenges he faced when he was young. His love for all people inspired him.”

“When I see him, I will definitely express my gratitude, both as an individual and as a member of the church,” Cummings added.