Provided the necessary canonical consents are given, the Rev. Michael Bruce Curry will be ordained and consecrated Bishop of North Carolina on June 17.

He was first nominated, then elected by clergy and lay delegates at our diocesan convention [TLC, March 5]. Before he is ordained and consecrated bishop, canonical consents will have come in from diocesan standing committees and bishops. He will have had a physical exam and a psychiatric evaluation. Early on in the liturgy on June 17, the appropriate testimonials will be read. In other words, we will do it up right.

In marked contrast, consider how John Rodgers and Chuck Murphy became bishops in Singapore [TLC, Feb. 13]. Were they either nominated or elected? Not as far as we can tell from any of the reports. Were the proper testimonials read? The chancellor of the Diocese of Singapore refused to take part because the canons were ignored.

It is certainly one way to become a bishop, just to do away with all the checks and balances. You have to want it very badly though.

(The Rev.) James B. Craven III

St. Luke's Church

Durham, N.C.