The Very Rev Andrew Swift will become the next Bishop of Brechin when he is consecrated in a special service held in St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee on Saturday 25 August. The service will start at 2pm, following a procession of the Bishop Elect, members of the College of Bishops of the Scottish Episcopal Church, retired Bishops and clergy of St Paul’s Cathedral from the Caird Hall to the Cathedral (approximately 1.50pm).
The service of consecration will be led by the Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, who says “It is with great joy that we are preparing for the consecration of the Very Rev Andrew Swift as Bishop of Brechin. The service in St Paul’s Cathedral will bring together people from across the Diocese and the Province to share in this moment of celebration.
“Andrew brings with him a wide experience of ministry, gained through his work as a Dean and Rector, experience which will equip him for the ministry of Bishop. I am also pleased to welcome him to the College of Bishops to share in the collaborative task of guiding and leading the Church.”
The ceremonial part of the service will involve entrusting the Diocesan Crozier (Bishop’s staff) to the Bishop. He will also be presented with other symbols of the Office of a Bishop – an amethyst ring and a pectoral cross (a video explaining the origin and design of these is available to watch on our Youtube channel.)
Members of the College of Bishops, together with visiting Bishops – including the Bishop of Iowa, the Rt Rev Alan Scarfe, and the Bishop of Swaziland, the Rt Rev Ellinah Wamukoya, will participate in the act of consecration (laying on of hands with prayer). The Diocese of Brechin is part of a companion link with Iowa and Swaziland, and so the role of Bishops Alan and Ellinah in the consecration is important in recognising the Diocese’s role within the world-wide Anglican Communion.
Attendance at the service is by invitation only – as a packed Cathedral is anticipated with representatives of churches across the Diocese and the wider Church and from friends and family of the Bishop Elect from across the world. The Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley, Bishop of Ripon will preach the sermon. Bishop Helen-Ann is a friend of the Bishop Elect and was one of his tutors at theological college.
For the first time ever in the Scottish Episcopal Church the Service of Consecration will be video live-streamed to enable anyone who wishes to do so to follow the service and feel part of it. The live stream will be available on the Scottish Episcopal Church website and Facebook page.
In preparing for his consecration Andrew Swift says “This is an exciting time to be the Scottish Episcopal Church in Dundee, the Carse of Gowrie and Angus and the Mearns. Our church has an important part to play in the life of Scotland, and I am confident that, trusting in God, we can play that part here, in this place. While all churches face challenges, I am very encouraged by the optimism I have found in the Diocese of Brechin. I am looking forward to meeting with and listening to the people of the charges and helping them to develop as part of the 21st century Scottish Episcopal Church.”
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