We reported here on the short-listed candidates for election as Bishop of Brechin and Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane. The elections took place today and the Rev Canon Ian Paton has been elected as the new Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane, and the Very Rev Andrew Swift has been elected as the new Bishop of Brechin.
Details are here in the official press release: New Bishops elected.
The “safer” options selected. This does show how difficult it is for a woman or gay person to be elected even in a liberal Church. Even in the C in W and the C of I, it took electoral impasse for two women elections. However under crown appointments, the women in the episcopate are full steam ahead.
Riw: I’m not sure you can draw that conclusion just yet. I think there is generally a preference in the SEC for candidates with experience of its particular character, which for all their other qualities Fr Chris and Fr Jeffrey lack. It will be interesting to see if Fr Kelvin makes an appearance on the shortlist for Glasgow and Galloway.
I’m going to be very unpopular for saying this. Roman Catholics say “God gives us the Pope we need, not the Pope we want”. I think it’s the same with Bishops. The right people at the right time.
Enough with the bitching. Two incredible able people who understand the problems and opportunities of the SEC from the inside have been chosen, and the province rejoices
We all need to remember these good folk are human beings with loved ones. They have been through a rigorous examination at hustings, and by interview.
The least we can do is to assure them, their families of our prayers and support in their new ministry.
Pray also for their diocese, and the College of Bishops which they will join.
Fr John Emlyn
Congratulations to the new appointments, chosen in free and fair elections, as all bishops should be.
While the CoE’s undemocratic model’s speeded the enthronement of women, it’s also ensured an episcopacy of company men (and now women) who, with hive efficiency, block any move towards equality across the board. It’s not preferable.
I want the best bishops to be chosen regardless of sex or sexuality.
Fr John Thank you for this important reminder.