The Office of Public Affairs

The Public Affairs Office provides statistics, biographies, photos, background information, and other resources to media representatives reporting on the mission and ministries of The Episcopal Church

Diocese of Eastern Oregon notified of successful canonical consent process

March 28, 2016
Office of Public Affairs

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael B. Curry and Registrar of General Convention, the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, have notified the Diocese of Eastern Oregon that Bishop-Elect Patrick W. Bell has received the required majority of consents in the canonical consent process.

The Rev. Patrick W. Bell was elected Bishop on December 12, 2015.  His ordination and consecration service is slated for April 16; Presiding Bishop Curry will officiate.

While Bishop-Elect Bell has received the necessary majority of consents, consents will continue to be accepted up to and including June 16 deadline date.

In Canon III.11.4 (b), Standing Committees, in consenting to the ordination and consecration, attest they are “fully sensible of how important it is that the Sacred Order and Office of a Bishop should not be unworthily conferred, and firmly persuaded that it is our duty to bear testimony on this solemn occasion without partiality, do, in the presence of Almighty God, testify that we know of no impediment on account of which the Reverend A.B. ought not to be ordained to that Holy Office. We do, moreover, jointly and severally declare that we believe the Reverend A.B. to have been duly and lawfully elected and to be of such sufficiency in learning, of such soundness in the Faith, and of such godly character as to be able to exercise the Office of a Bishop to the honor of God and the edifying of the Church, and to be a wholesome example to the flock of Christ.”