The Venerable Albert Vun Cheong Fui, Archdeacon of the Urban Area of Sabah and Rector of St Patrick's Church,Tawau, has been unanimously appointed 5th Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sabah by the House of Bishops of the Province of the Anglican Church in Southeast Asia.
The Provincial House of Bishops consists of the four Diocesan Bishops from the Dioceses of Singapore, West Malaysia, Kuching and Sabah. Results from two levels of nomination were forwarded to the House in July this year.
The House met on Aug. 16 and 17 this year to make the selection and appointment. Fourth and current Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Sabah, The Most Rev. Datuk Yong Ping Chung Archbishop of the Province of the Anglican Church in Southeast Asia, made the announcement at a press conference at Wisma Anglican, Monday.
The new Bishop will be consecrated and installed on St Mark's Day, April 25, 2006 at the All Saints' Cathedral.
Archbishop Young also said:
"Fifteen years as Bishop is long enough. I will reach 65 on Feb. 20 next year. According to our Diocesan Constitution, I must retire to allow a younger and more energetic colleague to take over.
"No campaigning, no speeches were made. We believe that the choice of Archdeacon Vun is the choice not only of the people but also affirmed by God himself," he said. Introducing the Bishop-Elect to reporters, Archbishop Yong said : "I am very pleased that a man of deep faith and spiritual vitality has been appointed to fill this post".