Bishop Ottley of Panama Assumes Post as Anglican Observer at United Nations
Episcopal News Service. November 21, 1994 [94188]
In a colorful "handing over" ceremony at New York's Trinity Church on October 23, Bishop James Ottley of Panama assumed his post as Anglican observer at the United Nations.
Like his predecessor, Bishop Sir Paul Reeves of New Zealand, Ottley was accompanied by a group from his own church as a sign of continued support in the new role. A Panamanian dance troupe, Conjunto Nuevo Panama, performed and escorted Ottley to the altar for his "handing over." In welcoming Ottley, Bishop Herbert Donovan, vicar of Trinity Church, noted that the parish has a substantial Panamanian-American membership. The Rev. Daniel Matthews, rector of Trinity Church, presented Ottley with a cope and mitre representing his new office.
The office of Anglican Observer at the United Nations was launched in 1991 with a financial grant from Trinity, which continues its support with Ottley. As observer, Ottley will represent the worldwide Anglican Communion and its 70 million members in 160 countries. He will represent the position of the Anglican Communion to UN members and the Secretary General and report back to member churches on issues as they emerge at the UN.
Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning, commenting recently on the appointment, said that Ottley is "a person of great integrity and deep concern for the difficult issues facing the Third World."
Ottley's official institution service will be held January 15 at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City.