The Symbols of Episcopal Ministry

With much gratitude for these gifts!

It's 5:00 AM here in Mahajanga Madagascar and I'm reflecting on the events which will take place over the next few days. Bishops will gather from North America, Australia, and various dioceses of the Indian Ocean. On Sunday, they will consecrate me a Bishop, the Bishop of Mahajanga.

As I’m getting the episcopal vestments ready for the consecration, I’m thinking about the symbolic significance of each item, the mitre, the ring, the pectoral cross, and the crozier - each piece is related to the ministry of a Bishop. But each piece is also significant for me because they're all gifts from people who have been, and continue to be, very significant influences in my life.

The Pectoral Cross

Amongst the other things which I will receive as a Bishop is a pectoral cross. The one which I will receive on Sunday comes to me from Bishop Donald Harvey, who is in the fullest sense my ‘Right Reverend Father in God’. Bishop Harvey baptized me as an adult and confirmed me in the same service. The very same week he appointed me a ‘lay professional minister’ in the parish of Labrador West with the late Archdeacon Francis Buckle - another mighty man of God. Bishop Harvey ordained me both Deacon and Priest. He appointed me to the only parishes I have ever served in. He officiated at our wedding. He baptized our son. I so often, cheekily say, he gets the credit or the blame for me! I have tremendous respect for him and for his influence on my life. I will be honoured on Sunday to receive his pectoral cross.

The Mitre

Bishop Cyrus Pittman is another huge influence in my life. I worked with Bishop Pitman when I was first ordained – and it was from him that I learned what parish ministry is about. When he was consecrated a Bishop, I had the extraordinary privilege of placing the mitre on his head. He has very kindly given me a mitre as a gift. The mitre is the symbol of the Holy Spirit - the symbol of the tongues of flame as appeared on the apostles on the day of Pentecost. Though Bishop Pitman cannot be here in Mahajanga to place the mitre on my head, I will remember Holy Spirit’s influence through him in my life as I receive the mitre.

The Episcopal Ring

On Sunday I will receive an Episcopal ring. In my case, a simple amethyst ring - the traditional stone of the Bishop. The ring is a gift from my brother and family. I give thanks to God for my family, for their love and support - not only as I have been elected the Bishop of my Mahajanga - but their love and their support for as long as I can remember. I love you all!

The Crozier

Yesterday, Sarah, Chase and I had lunch with the Bishop Jean Claude, Neny Rogette, and their family. Bishop Jean Claude was the first Bishop of Mahajanga. He served for twenty-five years! Though the Bishop is unable to speak or walk because of a very severe stroke, his wife presented me with his crozier (pastoral staff). The very one which he carried through the Diocese when he was the Bishop. I received his pastoral staff from his hands with tears in my eyes. Though he could not speak, his eyes spoke such kindness, welcome, and support. On Sunday at the consecration, I will receive the diocesan crozier - the one which stays at the cathedral - but I will carry Bishop Jean Claude’s crozier through the diocese on my pastoral visits. As I carry Bishop Jean Claude’s crozier, I will be reminded of his godly ministry, but I will also be reminded that we hand on the faith from generation to generation. As Archbishop Bob Duncan so often says, the main thing is to keep the main thing, the main thing! Jesus is our shepherd.

Symbolic Significance

These emblems of the Episcopal ministry will ground me and remind me that the ministry to which I have been called is not mine – but the Lord’s. The mitre reminds me (and every Bishop) that we can do nothing apart from the power of the Holy Spirit. The two lappets (the bands which hang down behind the mitre) historically were the bookmarks in the Bible that was held over the head of the Bishop at his consecration – and they remind me that I am under the authority of the word of God. The crozier reminds me that I am to be a shepherd, caring for the sheep. The ring reminds me of the office which I hold. The pectoral cross reminds me that there is only one Saviour – and he has purchased our forgiveness through the cross. The cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved, it is the power of God!

Dear ones, I'm sorry for the length article, but my heart is full as I try to prepare my mind and my heart for my consecration on Sunday, as I consider the significance of these emblems of the episcopal office, and as I consider the relationships which they represent. Would you pray for me as Sunday draws closer? As you are able, would you consider making an offering to support my ministry to the working in the 8^th poorest country in the world? Would you pray for my priests, deacons, catechists, evangelists, and for all the Christians in this diocese – pray that we might together make a mighty salvation army of souls who will be single purposed in living for the Lord Jesus?!