Posted Wednesday 06 October 2010
The Very Rev Kevin Pearson
The Very Rev Kevin Pearson is the Bishop-elect of Argyll and The Isles. The See became vacant following the retirement last year of the Rt Rev Martin Shaw who had served the diocese as Bishop for five years.
Kevin Pearson is currently Rector of St Michael & All Saints Church in Edinburgh, a Canon of St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, Dean of the Diocese of Edinburgh and the Provincial Director of Ordinands (responsible for the discernment and selection process for candidates for ministry), a role which he was instrumental in creating in 1991 on behalf of the College of Bishops.
In accordance with the Church’s canonical process the right of election of the new bishop of Argyll and The Isles passed to the Episcopal Synod (consisting of all of the Church’s Diocesan Bishops). Chair of the Synod, the Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church said “I warmly welcome the unanimous election by the Episcopal Synod of the Very Rev Kevin Pearson as Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.
“Dean Pearson has been greatly loved as Rector of St Michael and All Saints in Edinburgh since 1995. He has been a distinguished Dean of the Diocese of Edinburgh. As Provincial Director of Ordinands he has been a major influence on the shape of the ministry of our whole church.
“The College of Bishops views this appointment as one which is of great significance for the Scottish Episcopal Church. The Rural Commission which reported to this year’s General Synod reminded us that the population of rural Scotland is increasing. The Diocese of Argyll and The Isles is therefore a place of mission opportunity. It deserves leadership of the highest quality.
“Before the meeting of the Episcopal Synod, we entered into a lengthy process of prayerful discernment. We believe that Dean Pearson will bring to this new role the passion for ministry and the depth of experience for which he is so widely respected throughout our Church.
“As Bishop-elect Kevin prepares for this new ministry, we hold him and Elspeth in our prayers.”
On hearing the news of his election, Kevin Pearson said “I am delighted, excited and humbled to be elected the new Bishop of Argyll & The Isles. I am looking forward enormously to working in this beautiful and exciting Diocese. My wife Elspeth and I are also looking forward to living there and to getting to know the people and the area better. I am however very sad to be leaving St Michael and All Saints Church, which I know will continue to be a vibrant congregation at the heart of diocesan and provincial life.”
Kevin Pearson (56) is married to Dr Elspeth Atkinson who is Director of Macmillan Cancer Support in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales; was formerly Head of Economic Development, City of Edinburgh Council, Head of Rural Operations, Scottish Enterprise and did research on the economy of the Highland and Islands. Their interests include travel, walking, reading and dancing.
A service of consecration and installation of the new Bishop will take place in St John the Divine Cathedral in Oban at a date to be confirmed.
Category: Bishops, Dioceses, Argyll & the Isles
