KENYA: Massachusetts priest to become bishop, Church announces
Episcopal News Service. July 2, 2007 [070207-02]
The Anglican Church of Kenya's Provincial Synod unanimously approved the consecration of the Rev. Bill Murdoch as Suffragan Bishop of All Saints Cathedral Diocese "to assist with providing ... oversight and Episcopal care ... for the congregations and clergy in the USA under Kenyan jurisdiction."
Murdoch, rector of All Saints' Church in West Newbury, Massachusetts, will join former Episcopalian Bill Atwood from Carollton, Texas, who will also be consecrated as a Suffragan Bishop of All Saints Cathedral Diocese on August 30.
Such events have been described as "interventions" or "boundary crossings" by official councils or representatives of the Anglican Communion. Despite calls by the Instruments of Communion, including the Primates themselves, for such interventions to cease, some Anglican leaders have continued to cross provincial boundaries and minister to congregations in the U.S. without necessary consultation with or consent from the leadership of the Episcopal Church.
Kenyan Archbishop Benjamin Nzimbi has said the consecration will "support the international interests of the Anglican Church of Kenya, including support of Kenyan clergy and congregations in North America."
The Diocese of Massachusetts will not be issuing a public statement at this time, said Maria Plati, director of communication for the diocese. "The bishops have been in conversation about the congregation and those conversations continue."