FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 13, 2023
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
GREENWICH, NEW YORK — The Episcopal Diocese of Albany announces with praise and thanks to God that Bishop-Elect Jeremiah Williamson has received the requisite consents to his election as the Tenth Bishop of Albany. He was elected at a Special Convention of the Diocese on September 9, 2023. Under the Constitutions and Canons of the Episcopal Church, before a bishop-elect can be consecrated and assume jurisdiction, a majority of bishops of the Episcopal Church with jurisdiction, and a majority of the Standing Committees of the dioceses of the Episcopal Church, must separately consent to the election. The Episcopal Church’s formal announcement can be found here.
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Albany, which serves as Ecclesiastical Authority until the consecration of the new bishop, calls for prayers to be offered by all the people and clergy, and in all the congregations of the Diocese. Against the backdrop of violence and tragedy in Israel, the Middle East, and around the world, news that Jesus Christ continues to offer grace and salvation through our part of his Church gives cause for hope.
Bishop-Elect Jeremiah has written to say:
Friends,
This morning, I woke up to wonderful news: the required majority of bishops and standing committees with jurisdiction have consented to my election as your bishop! The Episcopal Church recognizes what we have known: God has called us together — for a purpose, for a mission, for a holy future.
Each new step (and this was an important one) has me buzzing with excitement. I am ready to discover what God has in store for us. I believe that the Giver of all good gifts is ready to bless us richly.
February 24 is the date of the consecration. I know it will be a Spirit-filled event that will propel us into our next chapter. I look forward to celebrating us, the “us” that God has willed and the Church has affirmed.
Many individuals and groups — diocesan officers and staff, as well as many priests, deacons, and lay volunteers from around the Diocese and at the Cathedral of All Saints — have labored tirelessly, amid many challenges, to reach this milestone. We owe them a great debt of gratitude. More remains to be done to enable a smooth transition and, as Bishop-Elect Jeremiah writes, a “Spirit-filled” consecration ceremony. Further information on the consecration will be released as it becomes available.
