Bishop-elect James 'Jay' Magness completes successful consent process
Episcopal News Service. May 27, 2010 [052710-03]
ENS staff
Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori's office announced May 27 that Bishop-elect James "Jay" Magness has received the required number of consents from bishops with jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees to his ordination and consecration as bishop suffragan for federal ministries.
Magness was elected on March 24 out of a field of eight nominees during a meeting of the House of Bishops at Camp Allen, Texas.
The consecration is scheduled for June 19 at Washington National Cathedral with Jefferts Schori officiating.
Magness is canon for mission and diocesan administration in the Diocese of Southern Virginia.
The bishop suffragan for federal ministries, formally known in the church's constitution as the bishop suffragan for the Armed Forces, is responsible for the pastoral care and oversight of U.S. Armed Forces chaplains; military personnel and families; chaplains in federal hospitals, prisons and correctional facilities; and for the eucharistic communities related to military installations.
Magness will succeed Bishop George E. Packard, who has served as bishop suffragan for federal ministries since 2000 and is set to retire on May 31.
As outlined under Canon III.11.4 (a), the presiding bishop confirmed the receipt of consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction (diocesan bishops only), and also has reviewed the evidence of consents from a majority of standing committees of the church.
While Magness has received the necessary majority of consents, they will continue to be accepted up to and including the August 13 deadline date.