Multicultural elements abound as Rochester ordains bishop in colorful ceremony
Episcopal News Service. June 2, 2008 [060208-04]
Don Hill, Interim Communications Director for the Diocese of Rochester, Neva Rae Fox, Program Officer for Public Affairs
An array of color, movement and sound encompassed the more than 1,200 people who gathered to celebrate Prince G. Singh's ordination and consecration as the 8th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Rochester.
"We are here to bless a bridge builder," Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said in her sermon. Reflecting on a recent visit to the famed Brooklyn Bridge, which is held together by tension, she noted that all parts of the bridge are necessary to make it work.
"The Diocese of Rochester has called Prince to be a bishop, but they did not call him to be a prince bishop -- a monarch -- but to be a bridge builder, a servant ministry," Jefferts Schori said. She challenged the new bishop to "be a bridge; to build bridges; and to encourage others to build bridges."
To the diocese and the new bishop she said, "May you build well together, blessed with the tension of the Holy Spirit."
Held in the Eastman Theater in downtown Rochester, 15 bishops gathered for the laying on of hands.
Singh's family, friends, members of the diocese, and political, interfaith and ecumenical dignitaries from the eight-county diocese and across the globe participated in the liturgy.
Born and educated in India, Singh, 45, was surrounded by his family -- his wife Roja, sons Ned and Eklan, along with his mother, brother and other family members who made the trip from India and elsewhere in the United States.
From the colorful streamers that led the processions; to home-baked bread for communion; a massed choir from across the diocese; to the vestments whose colors represent water, creation, the phoenix and bridges of healing, hope and grace, the ceremony was a feast for the senses.
Multicultural elements of the service were visible witness to the international physical and spiritual journey the new bishop has made, and Rochester's commitment to inclusiveness. Prior to the service there was a traditional Indian dance, the Pushpanjali, which represents an offering to the divine. At communion the congregation sang an English translation of a Tamil Christian hymn. The Gospel was read in both English and Spanish and signers interpreted the service in American Sign Language.
Among the readings were ones taken from the writings of two well-known people -- both buried in Rochester. A portion of a letter from Susan B. Anthony from Election Day 1872 brought chuckles with the line, "So we are in for a fine agitation in Rochester on the question." A selection from Frederick Douglass' "My Bondage and My Freedom" related his account of having no one sit next to him on a crowded train, until Massachusetts Governor George N. Briggs asked his permission to join him.
Following his consecration, Singh was presented with gifts of bishop's vestments, a signet ring, a pectoral cross, and a prayer shawl adorned with symbols of many faiths given by his interfaith and ecumenical friends and presented by an imam.
Among the bishops consecrating Singh was his predecessor, Jack M. McKelvey, who passed the crozier to signify Singh's role as the shepherd of the flock. With the presentation, McKelvey retired as the diocesan bishop.
Singh's outlook and focus of ministry was glimpsed in the text of his blessing at the end of the service. "Remember that you are God's beloved…Be transformed by the power of the risen Christ to be healers to a broken world. Dance and revel in the joy of the spirit who sets you free... and may the blessing of God…. weave you to wholeness and be with you always."
Singh was elected bishop on February 2. Previously, he was rector of St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Oakland/Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, in the Diocese of Newark.
Noting that, "I have been waiting a while to say this," the new bishop evoked great laughter with his conclusion: "I am the bishop formerly known as Prince."