Anglican Communion News Service - Digest News

The Most Revd Henry Luke Orombi, Archbishop of Uganda, with the consent of the House of Bishops of the Church of Uganda, given in December 2006 and reaffirmed today, will consecrate the Revd John A.M. Guernsey, an American priest canonically resident in North Kigezi Diocese, Church of Uganda, as a Bishop in the Church of Uganda. He will be consecrated in Mbarara on 2nd September 2007, together with Revd George Tibesigwa, Bishop-elect of Ankole Diocese.

Bishop-elect Guernsey will provide local Episcopal oversight to the 26 congregations in the United States that are part of the Church of Uganda, on behalf of the ten Ugandan Bishops currently providing Episcopal care to Biblically orthodox American congregations. He will also continue to serve as Rector of All Saints Church, Dale City, Virginia.

Archbishop Orombi said, ‘Revd Guernsey has a long history with the Church of Uganda, including many short visits to Uganda for teaching and preaching missions. He is highly respected by clergy and Bishops in the Church of Uganda, and has also been a pastoral and strategic leader in the Anglican Communion Network as Dean of the Mid-Atlantic Convocation. He is the ideal candidate to pioneer this new ministry.’

Archbishop Orombi’s fellow Primates, who are also providing Episcopal oversight to Biblically orthodox congregations in the United States, are supportive of the move. Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi of the Anglican Church of Kenya also recently announced the consecration of the Rev. Canon Dr. Bill Atwood, an American priest, as a Bishop in the Church of Kenya, a decision applauded by Archbishop Orombi.

Archbishop Nzimbi said, ‘It is a new day for the pastoral and Episcopal care of the orthodox congregations in America. We look forward to working with our Ugandan neighbours in mutual collaboration in providing apostolic and missional support to our orthodox brothers and sisters in America.’

The election and consecration of Revd Guernsey as a Bishop in the Church of Uganda has the support of the Rt. Revd Robert Duncan, Moderator of the Anglican Communion Network and Convener of Common Cause.

‘John Guernsey’s consecration is an answer to our prayers,’ said Duncan, ‘that we would be able to provide a domestic bishop for the Ugandan churches that are part of the Network’s International Conference.’

Duncan added, ‘In my capacity as the Convener of Common Cause, we will enthusiastically welcome him to the Council of Bishops meeting in September.’

Item from: The Church of Uganda