Posted Friday 21 September 2007
The Very Rev Dr Robert (Bob) Gillies (age 55) will be consecrated and installed as the new Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney in a special service in St Andrew's Cathedral, Aberdeen on Saturday 22 September at 3pm.
The Service of Consecration will be attended by about 600 people including representatives from Scottish Episcopal Churches across Scotland, other church denominations and local dignitaries including the Lord Lieutenants of Aberdeenshire and Kincardineshire, a representative of the Lord Provost, local MSPs and Councillors.
The Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, The Most Rev Dr Idris Jones, will lead the service and says "There is a personal pleasure for me in leading this service with Bob at its centre. He and I have in the past worked as members of the same pastoral team - when he was my line manager in fact- so I know of Bob's great gifts and commitment to ministry at first hand. He comes to Aberdeen equipped for episcopal ministry as fully as anyone can be and we pray for God's continued blessing on him as he takes on this responsiblity in Aberdeen and in the wider Anglican Communion."
The Primus will be joined by other Bishops of the Church in consecrating Bob Gillies (this involves joint laying on of hands with prayer). Clergy from across Scotland and overseas, including representatives from Aberdeen & Orkney's companion dioceses Connecticut in the USA and Mthatha in South Africa, will take part in a robed procession which will lead the Bishop-Elect in to the Cathedral. The Rev Professor Trevor Hart, Principal of St Mary's College, University of St Andrews, will preach the sermon.
Part of the service will include entrusting the new Bishop with the Diocesan Crozier - the sign of a Bishop's pastoral office. He will also receive the Bishop's ring and a pectoral cross.
Bob Gillies was elected as the new Bishop of Aberdeen & Orkney in April. He has most recently served as rector of St Andrew's Church, St Andrews and Dean of that diocese. He previously held appointments as chaplain to the University of Dundee, Curate to Christ Church, Morningside, Edinburgh and Curate to Christ Church, Falkirk. He was an honorary philosophy lecturer at Dundee from 1985-1994. Once he is consecrated he will become the 'Rt Rev'- the title given to Bishops in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
Bob Gillies is married to Liz, who has recently been appointed to Aberdeen City Council's Education Department. They have three sons - Patrick, Andrew and Timothy. In preparing for his consecration the Bishop-Elect says "becoming a bishop during a controversial period within the history of the Anglican Communion is somewhat challenging. Although the challenges that lie ahead may be daunting, I relish this exciting opportunity to develop my ministry and share experiences with the people of Aberdeen and Orkney."
Following the service in the Cathedral, a reception for all guests will be held in the Beach Ballroom in Aberdeen.
-Ends-
Notes to editors:
- A photocall and interview opportunity will take place immediately after the service (approx 4.15pm)
- Further enquiries please contact the Very Rev Gerald Stranraer-Mull (01358 720366 before and after Saturday or 07813 768906 on Saturday)
Category: Bishops, Dioceses, Aberdeen & Orkney, General
