Archdeacon Sam Rose has been elected the sixth bishop of the diocese of Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador, after being voted in on the fourth ballot at the Nov. 28 electoral synod.
The Dec. 15 consecration and installation of the bishop-elect took place at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, with the liturgy livestreamed. Bishop John Watton of the diocese of Central Newfoundland and Bishop John Organ of the diocese of Western Newfoundland served as ordaining bishop and co-consecrator, respectively.
In an online video message, Bishop Rose said the diocese had been making plans for restructuring since its 2018 synod, but that COVID-19 has accelerated these plans.
“There are critical decisions that will need to be made in the coming months instead of the coming years,” Rose said.
“My commitment to you as your next bishop is to walk with you through these changes in faithfulness and love. We will see each other through this together so that we who are wearied by the changes and chances of this fleeting world may rest upon God’s eternal changelessness.”
The election of a new bishop followed the death on Oct. 8 of Geoffrey Peddle, who had served in the role since 2014.
