The Very Rev Andrew Swift will become the next Bishop of Brechin when he is consecrated in a special service held in St Paul\u2019s 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\u2019s Cathedral from the Caird Hall to the Cathedral (approximately 1.50pm).<\/p>\n
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 \u201cIt 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\u2019s Cathedral will bring together people from across the Diocese and the Province to share in this moment of celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201cAndrew 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ceremonial part of the service will involve entrusting the Diocesan Crozier (Bishop\u2019s staff) to the Bishop. He will also be presented with other symbols of the Office of a Bishop \u2013 an amethyst ring and a pectoral cross (a video explaining the origin and design of these is available to watch on our Youtube channel.<\/a>)<\/p>\n Members of the College of Bishops, together with visiting Bishops \u2013 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\u2019s role within the world-wide Anglican Communion.<\/p>\n Attendance at the service is by invitation only \u2013 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.<\/p>\n