New Episcopalian bishop ordained at service in Portland

From Maine-

Hundreds of Maine Episcopalians celebrated the ordination and consecration of Bishop Thomas James Brown at the Cathedral of St. Luke in Portland on Saturday.

Brown, who was elected during a convention of clergy and laypeople in Bangor in February, is the first openly gay bishop in the church’s 200-year history in Maine and only the third for the church in the United States.

He replaces Bishop Stephen Lane, who is retiring after leading the church for 11 years. During the ceremony, Brown thanked Lane for his friendship and mentoring as they worked together during the transition from one bishop to the next.

“I promised him I would give him 30 days for retirement and then on July 22, I will be calling him every day,” Brown said to laughter and applause.

More here-

https://www.pressherald.com/2019/06/22/new-episcopalian-bishop-ordained-at-service-in-portland/?fbclid=IwAR1EZbAOw7NVzVhiU4rxiEXWGfcz_ncYABgj5o3O1L5OaQPer6Efg8FHSu4

Episcopal Diocese of Newark to make history with consecration of 11th Bishop

From Newark-

The Rev. Carlye J. Hughes will be consecrated the 11th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark on Saturday, September 22, at 11 AM, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. She was elected on May 19, 2018 on the first ballot and will be the first woman and first African-American to serve the Diocese of Newark as diocesan bishop.

The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, will officiate as Chief Consecrator. On the same day Hughes was elected bishop, Presiding Bishop Curry made headlines around the world for his sermon at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

More here-

https://dioceseofnewark.org/content/media-advisory-episcopal-diocese-newark-consecration-11th-bishop

Episcopal Church in central N.C. gets new bishop

From North Carolina-

Nearly 55 years ago, a young Sam Rodman stood before the priest at a west Massachusetts Episcopal church with a younger sister on the left and an older one on the right as they were baptized before the congregation.

Rodman was just 4 years old, but the sense of community and goodwill he felt stayed so strongly with him that he drew a sense of purpose in the church. He became a deacon, then a priest, and eventually the acting chief of staff for the Massachusetts diocese.

Saturday morning, Rodman, 58, was back before another Episcopal leader, taking another step in his now lifelong spiritual journey. Dressed in a simple white robe, with a white rope serving as a belt, Rodman stood at the front of Duke Chapel before the leader of The Episcopal Church, who asked the 1,000 congregants in attendance if Rodman should be ordained the bishop for the central North Carolina diocese that includes Charlotte, Greensboro and the Triangle.

Read more here:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/living/religion/article161597013.html#storylink=cpy

How the mitre have fallen: Bishops urged to ditch their 'silly' hats for more modern look

From The Mirror-

Bishops are being urged to ditch their “daft” pointed hats to try to make the Church more modern.

Critics claim tall mitres, usually worn at formal services, are “silly” and outdated.

Rev Ian Paul, an academic theologian, said: “A piece of attire which communicates absolute authority has no place within Anglican understandings of ministry.

“To most, and I suggest especially the young, bishops in mitres put them in another world.

“It looks daft and it does not signify anything in the Church of England. It makes them distant and it makes them look silly.”

More here-

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/how-mitre-fallen-bishops-urged-10766206

A Communiqué from the Gafcon Primates to Members and Supporters

From Gafcon-

A Missionary Bishop

During our meeting, we considered how best to respond to the voice of faithful Anglicans in some parts of the Global North who are in need of biblically faithful episcopal leadership. Of immediate concern is the reality that on 8th June 2017 the Scottish Episcopal Church is likely to formalize their rejection of Jesus’ teaching on marriage. If this were to happen, faithful Anglicans in Scotland will need appropriate pastoral care. In addition, within England there are churches that have, for reasons of conscience, been planted outside of the Church of England by the Anglican Mission in England (AMiE).  These churches are growing, and are in need of episcopal leadership. Therefore, we have decided to consecrate a missionary bishop who will be tasked with providing episcopal leadership for those who are outside the structures of any Anglican province, especially in Europe.

More here-

https://www.gafcon.org/news/a-communique-from-the-gafcon-primates-to-members-and-supporters

Dean of Liverpool named as the next Bishop of Sheffield

From The Church Times-

THE man who has the task of healing the wounds opened up in Sheffield by the Philip North row is to be the Dean of Liverpool, the Very Revd Dr Pete Wilcox.

Downing Street announced on Friday morning that Dr Wilcox has been nominated as the next Bishop of Sheffield, one month after the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Revd Philip North, withdrew his acceptance of the post after protests against his views on women’s ordination (News, 9 March).

At the time, it was reported that the Archbishop of York, who chaired the Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) that selected Bishop North, would propose an alternative candidate. (For each diocesan appointment, the CNC sends two names to the Prime Minister for rubber stamping.) The speed of Friday’s announcement suggests that Dr Wilcox’s was the name beneath Bishop North’s. Having first nominated a Catholic traditionalist, the CNC has opted for an Evangelical.

More here-

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2017/13-april/news/uk/dean-of-liverpool-named-as-the-next-bishop-of-sheffield

Personal chauffeurs and episcopal mansions – life for Church of England’s good shepherds

From The Telegraph-

Jesus, according to the Bible, rode a donkey into Jerusalem, sailed in a fishing boat and even walked on water.

But when it comes to many of the Church of England’s most senior clerics, the favoured means of getting around is still the chauffeur-driven car.

According to details of spending disclosed at the Church’s ruling General Synod, one in four diocesan bishops still retains a personal driver.

It comes 14 years after an official Church of England review urged members of the episcopate to give up their chauffeurs in an effort to end the centuries-old image of the high-living “prince bishops” in palaces.

The Church also appears to be taking Jesus’s words that “in my fathers house are many mansions” rather literally.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/11404122/Personal-chauffeurs-and-episcopal-mansions-life-for-Church-of-Englands-good-shepherds.html

Nigerian Anglican Church Now Has 167 Bishops

From Nigeria-

The Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion yesterday added  two new bishops to the number of bishops they have in the country. Also the are Venerable, Prince Asukwo Antai who is now the Bishop of Uyo Diocese and Venerable Williams O. Aladekugbe who is now the Bishop of Oyo Diocese. Before the consecration of the two new bishops, the Anglican Church of Nigeria had 166 bishops. Whereas Oyo had a bishop, the new bishop would be replacing him thereby making the number of bishops to 167.

More here-

http://www.spyghana.com/nigerian-anglican-church-now-has-167-bishops/

The episcopal gadfly of the Church of England

From The Telegraph-

When Herbert Hensley Henson was named bishop of Hereford, the Archbishop of Canterbury considered resigning, and told him so.

That was in 1917. We may think bishops are a funny lot now, but, though Henson (1863-1947) was a bundle of eccentric contradictions, the biggest objection to his being consecrated was his inability to assent to the Virgin Birth of Jesus and his bodily Resurrection. He was consecrated (on the day the Bolsheviks confiscated all property of the orthodox Church), and the C of E did not fall apart.

It is unlikely today that such a figure would be made a bishop. His father had refused to send him to school. He was not baptised until 14. The Warden of All Souls called him the proudest man he’d known (and that was saying something). His colonialist brother was renowned as the rudest man in Calcutta.

The sequicentenary of his birth provoked a new biography, but I thought I’d read Owen Chadwick’s biography from 1983 first, and I’m glad I did. Chadwick writes beautifully and puts at least two interesting facts on each page. His judgments are so convincing that the risk is being won over entirely by his interpretation of a life that baffles by its lurches.

More here-

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/10714400/The-episcopal-gadfly-of-the-Church-of-England.html

New Episcopal bishop believes 'God's table is big enough for all of us'

From Kentucky-

Doug Hahn, the bishop-elect for the Episcopal Church's district in Central and Eastern Kentucky, believes in reflecting the diversity that his new territory includes: everything from downtown Lexington to rural Lee County, from Harlan to Harrodsburg.

That's why his ordination service Saturday will include high formal church music, Bluegrass, Appalachian folk tunes and Shaker music.

"All of that will reflect that God acts in many diverse ways," Hahn said. "It makes for a rich community."

Hahn replaced Stacy Sauls, who became the chief operating officer of the national Episcopal Church.

Hahn, 60, who came to Lexington from Georgia, where he was rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Hamilton and dean of the Chattahoochee Valley Episcopal Convocation, has some surprising roots: He grew up a Southern Baptist and graduated from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville in 1977.

"What I appreciated about growing up Baptist was the deep commitment to mission and the deep commitment to Scripture ... and the commitment that each person has to serving in the place where God wants them to be," Hahn said.



Read more here:

http://www.kentucky.com/2012/12/15/2444362/new-episcopal-bishop-believes.html

Episcopal Bishop-elect Douglas Fisher: Time for leadership, outreach, continued collaboration

From Massachusetts-

On Dec. 1, the Rev. Douglas J. Fisher will become the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, replacing the Right Rev. Gordon P. Scruton, who is retiring after 16 years.

For the past 12 years, Fisher, 57, has served as rector of Grace Church in Millbrook, N.Y. The Rev. Elizabeth Fisher, 56, his wife, heads St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Amenia, N.Y.

The couple live in Great Barrington, and have
three adult children: Caragh, Geoffrey and Grace.

Recently, Fisher discussed his experience, what drew him to the diocese and his hopes for its future. His ordination and consecration as bishop will begin at 11 a.m. at the MassMutual Center. The chief consecrator will be the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, the 26th presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church, a reception will follow.

More here-

http://www.masslive.com/living/index.ssf/2012/11/post_146.html

New Episcopal bishop known for his social media savvy

From New England-

The newly ordained Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island is helping to bring the church into the 21st century with the use of social media, church officials say.

The Very Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely Jr. is one of only six Episcopal bishops in the country who use Twitter, said Arizona Bishop Kirk Smith. Knisely was ordained Saturday at Dorrance Field House at St. George’s School in Middletown.

More than 2,000 people attended the 2½-hour service, including the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, the presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, The Providence Journal reported. Knisely is the Diocese of Rhode Island’s 13th bishop.

Smith said Knisely is a smart and media-savvy bishop who will be taking advantage of Facebook, Twitter and other social media to “communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ in a whole new exciting way.” He said the aim is to better reach young people through the communication methods they use.

More here-

http://www.thewesterlysun.com/news/new-episcopal-bishop-known-for-his-social-media-savvy/article_f0a7d678-3257-11e2-9309-001a4bcf887a.html

Knisely ordained as 13th Episcopal bishop in RI

From Rhode Island via Boston-

The newly ordained Episcopal bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island is helping to bring the church into the 21st century with the use of social media, church officials say.

The Very Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely Jr. is one of only six Episcopal bishops in the country who use Twitter, said Arizona Bishop Kirk Smith. Knisely was ordained Saturday at Dorrance Field House at St. George’s School in Middletown.

More than 2,000 people attended the 2½-hour service, including the Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori, the presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church, The Providence Journal reported. Knisely is the Diocese of Rhode Island’s 13th bishop.

Smith said Knisely is a smart and media-savvy bishop who will be taking advantage of Facebook, Twitter and other social media to ‘‘communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ in a whole new exciting way.’’ He said the aim is to better reach young people through the communication methods they use.

More here-

http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode-island/2012/11/18/knisely-ordained-episcopal-bishop/mrabHtPAP6IfTwJK1CsTWK/story.html

Atlanta's Episcopal Church ordains new bishop

From Fox Atlanta-

The Episcopal Church and its 50,000 followers in north Georgia have a new leader this weekend.

Robert Wright became the first African American bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta in a ceremony Saturday on the Morehouse College campus.

Former United National Ambassador Andrew Young delivered the sermon during the ceremony.

Wright studied the Civil Rights Movement at Howard University. He spent the last ten years at Saint Paul's Church in southwest Atlanta.

He is the 10th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta.

A former Navy veteran, Wright is married with five children.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/story/19814484/atlantas-episcopal-church-ordains-new-bishop

Atlanta Diocese of the Episcopal Church to have first black leader

From Atlanta-

For the first time ever, a man of color will take the reins of the Atlanta Diocese of the Episcopal Church.

Reverend Rob Wright will be ordained as Bishop in a ceremony at Morehouse College King Chapel Saturday.

In an interview with WSB’s Pete Combs, Wright said he is convinced the Episcopal Church is awakening, as if from a long sleep.

“An old theologian once said, ‘From time to time, the Church forgets who she is. But every once in a while, we remember and we begin to act like a church,” Wright said. Now, he continued, is such a time of remembrance.

As for being the first African-American to lead this Diocese, Wright called it “a sign of real hope.”
“People are finally moving into this notion of character content versus color,” he said.

More here-

http://www.wsbradio.com/news/news/atlanta-diocese-episcopal-church-have-first-black-/nSbXB/

Former Waco rector to be consecrated as bishop suffragan in Episcopal Church

From Texas-

The Rev. Jeff W. Fisher, former rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Waco, will be consecrated as a bishop suffragan in the Episcopal Church during a service today in Tyler.

Fisher was elected to that position at Christ Church Cathedral in Houston on June 2.

He will be based in Tyler and will serve congregations in the Diocese of Texas, which covers the eastern and central portion of Texas, which includes an area that spreads from Waco to Austin to Galveston and east to Louisiana.

A bishop suffragan is an assisting bishop and serves under the direction of the diocesan bishop, in this case the Rt. Rev. C. Andrew Doyle, said Carol E. Barnwell, spokeswoman for the diocese.

Among Fisher’s duties is oversight of prison ministries within the region.

Today’s consecration ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. at Caldwell Auditorium, 300 S. College Drive in Tyler.

While Fisher was rector of St. Alban’s in Waco from 2006 to 2012, the church’s congregation grew by 85 percent.

Forced to close the school on campus, Fisher led the congregation to start a community center that now houses theater and music programs for church youths as well as other area groups and outreach programs.

More here-

http://www.wacotrib.com/news/172927351.html

Bishops look to woman priest to salvage women-bishops legislation

From The Church Times-

THE House of Bishops, meeting this week to rescue the women-bishops legislation, has adopted an amendment suggested by a woman priest.

The House met on Wednesday to find a way out of the impasse over the legislation. In July, the General Synod declined to vote on the final wording, after the House had inserted clause 5(1)(c), which stated that the Code of Practice should cover "the selection of male bishops or male priests the exercise of ministry by whom is consistent with the theological convictions as to the consecration of women" of the PCC in a traditionalist parish.

Opponents of women bishops quietly welcomed the clause, but many supporters found it unacceptable, and threatened to vote against the legislation if it remained. As a result, the final vote was postponed until an extraordinary meeting of the General Synod in November, giving the Bishops time to reconsider.

More here-

http://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2012/14-september/news/uk/bishops-look-to-woman-priest-to-salvage-women-bishops-legislation

Local diocese ordains new bishop

From Western Louisiana- (with video)

Local members of the Episcopal Church have a new leader as of today. Shreveport's St. Mark's Cathedral was alive with ceremony this morning. Hundreds of Episcopalians gathered at the cathedral to welcome a new bishop.

Reverend Jacob Owensby was ordained and consecrated fourth bishop of the Western Louisiana Diocese, which reaches from Arkansas to the Gulf of Mexico. It's a title many church members are glad to see him receive.

"He is a very spiritual man and a good leader and wonderful things are going to continue to happen in this diocese," member Susan Sparks said.

Owensby was elected back on April 21 by diocese committees.

http://www.ktbs.com/news/Local-diocese-ordains-new-bishop/-/144844/15632192/-/i0tomfz/-/index.html

New Bishop Coadjutor For Episcopal Diocese Of NY

From Fox New York

A new bishop was welcomed by the Episcopal Diocese of New York Saturday morning.

A huge crowd of parishioners packed the Cathedral of the Church of St. John the Devine at 112th Street and Amsterdam Avenue for the consecration ceremony for Rev. Canon Andrew M.L. Dietsche.

Rev. Dietsche wore the Episcopal vestments for the first time and he was presented with a gold cross and Episcopal ring. The ring was engraved with his personal seal.


Read more:

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/news/new-bishop-coadjutor-for-episcopal-diocese-of-ny-20120310#ixzz1onyowQVq

Fratricidal tensions at the Church of England Synod

From The Guardian of London-

If you think David Cameron frets about his uppity Lib Dem coalition partners and loses sleep over eurosceptic Tory hooligans at Westminster, trot across Parliament Square to Church House this week and weep for a leader with serious problems and conflicting thinktank advice that goes back 2,000 years.

All afternoon on Wednesday the archbishop of Canterbury sat hirsuite, silent and glum (it's a Rowan Williams speciality) while members of the Church of England's parliament – its 477-strong Synod – politely pummelled each other's soft tissue over the perennial issue of woman bishops, the church's Clause IV.

If this was vulgar secular politics, the protagonists might reinforce their claims with an erudite quote from Edmund Burke, the Radio Times or Twitter. But members of Synod think nothing of invoking the blog according to St Mark and the emails of St Paul, or drawing attention to the famous Synod held in 664 at Whitby whose abbot was – wait for it – St Hilda. Not a chap then, as Sister Faith, a modern Whitby-ite, was keen to point out on Wednesday.

More here-

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/feb/08/fratricidal-tensions-church-england-synod?newsfeed=true