Pitman is new coadjutor bishop

Archdeacon Cyrus Pitman, 60, was elected coadjutor bishop of the diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador on June 12 on the second ballot. As coadjutor, he has the automatic right of succession to the office of diocesan bishop upon the retirement of Bishop Donald Harvey, who previously announced he would retire at the end of November, 2004, when he will be 65. Mr. Pitman’s consecration is set for Sept. 21.

Mr. Pitman had been the only nomination in advance of the electoral synod but the first ballot was a nominating ballot. Fourteen names occurred on the first ballot; 10 later withdrew their names, leaving four for the second ballot. Mr. Pitman was only one vote short of election on the first ballot and, after the second ballot, well more than the two-thirds required majority had voted for him.

Since 2003, Mr. Pitman has served as the diocese’s executive archdeacon and administrative assistant to the bishop. In 2002, he was appointed archdeacon of Avalon East and West.

He was ordained a priest in 1968 and has spent his entire career in Newfoundland, serving various parishes. Born in Lamaline, Nfld., he said he enjoyed the variety and challenges of parish ministry and has a special interest in evangelism. “I really enjoy helping new people come to faith,” he said in an interview with Anglican Journal.

He holds a B.A. from Memorial University and L.Th. from Queen’s College in Newfoundland. He and his wife, Mary, and have four grown children and three grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoys fishing for salmon in the rivers of western Newfoundland.