Focus on the Family’s James Dobson resigns

Holy cow:

James Dobson resigned as chairman of Focus on the Family but will continue to play a role at the Colorado Springs-based organization he founded, The Associated Press reports. Dobson’s wife, Shirley, also resigned from the Focus board.

Dobson, 72, already turned the ship over six years ago to Jim Daly, the organization’s president and chief executive officer. He will continue to host Focus on the Family’s radio program, write a monthly newsletter and speak out on moral issues, Daly told Eric Gorski of the AP.

“One of the common errors of founder-presidents is to hold to the reins of leadership too long, thereby preventing the next generation from being prepared for executive authority,” Dobson said in a statement. “… Though letting go is difficult after three decades of intensive labor, it is the wise thing to do.”

That’s the wisest thing he’s said in years.