Michigan-based bishop serving Chaldeans in eastern US stepping down after 32 years

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. – A longtime bishop leading Chaldeans in Michigan and the eastern half of the United States is stepping down after 32 years.

The Detroit Free Press reports (http://on.freep.com/1jb8JVL ) Friday that 76-year-old Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim founded of the American branch of the Chaldean Church. He leads the Southfield, Michigan-based Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle.

Michigan has one of the nation's largest communities of Chaldeans, or Iraqi Catholics.

Ibrahim will be replaced by 43-year-old Rev. Frank Kalabat. He's currently pastor of St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in West Bloomfield, Michigan.

The eparchy, or diocese, is separate from the Archdiocese of Detroit but has allegiance to the Vatican.

Kalabat is scheduled to be installed on June 14.