Ordination and Consecration of the 14th Bishop Diocesan
St. Paul's Baptist Church, Henrico
Please join your diocesan family in this joyous celebration!
FAQs about the Ordination and Consecration Service
Will attendance at the service be open to all?
Yes! Registration is appreciated but not required. You can register at: https://VaConsecration-ParishesRSVP.eventbrite.com. You do not need to present proof of registration at the church. Be aware that the sanctuary has more seats than there are available parking spaces, so carpooling is recommended. Masks are required.
Will the event be livestreamed?
Yes. The event will be livestreamed on the diocesan homepage and YouTube channel. The service bulletin is available here.
Who will preside at the Ordination and Consecration Service?
The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry, Presiding Bishop, will be the chief consecrator. Other co-consecrator bishops will be chosen after the Electing Convention. All Bishops in the Episcopal Church will be invited to attend.
Where will the consecration take place?
It will be held at The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church on Saturday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. The church is located at 4247 Creighton Road, Henrico, VA 23223. Please be sure to use this address, as the church has several campuses in the greater Richmond area.
Why is the ordination and consecration service not being held at Washington National Cathedral?
Although some previous ordination and consecration services for the Virginia Bishop Diocesan have been held at Washington National Cathedral, it was requested, and the Transition Committee believed, that this service should be held within the Diocese, and the Standing Committee accepted its recommendation.
Why is the ordination and consecration service not being held at an Episcopal Church?
The Transition Committee believes that more than 1,500 people will wish to attend this service. There is no Episcopal Church within our Diocese that can accommodate a congregation of that size, particularly if there are restrictions about social distancing in place at the time of the service.
Why was The St. Paul’s Baptist Church selected as the venue for this service?
Although the Transition Committee considered other large venues such as convention centers and performing arts centers, ultimately the Committee believed that the service should be held in a sacred space. At this time in the life of our Diocese when we have made a tangible and growing commitment to racial justice and healing, the Committee felt that holding the consecration at a Baptist Church whose worshippers are primarily African American will mark the Consecration of our next Bishop Diocesan with a strong witness to that commitment.
The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church offers practical advantages as well. The church has a sanctuary large enough to accommodate the expected attendance, and also has space for the ancillary events associated with this service.