Anglican diocese elects new bishop

Rev. Canon Michael Oulton, who is also a parish priest at Christ Church, Belleville, was elected on the third ballot at St. George’s Cathedral Feb. 12.  He will succeed Bishop George Bruce, who has held the position since 2002.

Six people – five men, one woman – allowed their names to stand for election. Three, including Canon Oulton, were from the Diocese of Ontario. Those outside the Diocese were from London (Ont.), Ottawa, and Charleston (S.C.).

Bishop-elect Oulton is termed a coadjutor bishop, which means he will work with Bishop George Bruce until Bishop Bruce retires later this year. At that point, Bishop Oulton will automatically become diocesan bishop.

The election of a bishop requires a majority of votes from clergy and laity.  After the first ballot, Rev. Canon Michael Wright (from South Carolina) withdrew. After the second ballot, Rev. Dana Fisher from Ottawa, Ven. Jim McShane from Trenton and Ven. Wayne Varley from Kingston all withdrew.  On the third ballot, voters were left with two candidates: Canon Timothy Connor (London, Ont.) and Canon Michael Oulton.

In the final count, Timothy Connor received 22 clergy and 49 laity votes. Michael Oulton received 35 clergy and 115 laity votes. At the end of the meeting a motion was made to declare the decision unanimous which was happily received by all those there.

Canon Oulton will be consecrated bishop on June 11th at St. George’s Cathedral in Kingston and will become the 12th Bishop of Ontario.

 For more information, please click here or contact Rev. Canon Michael Read, Chair, Episcopal Nominating Committee:

12 February 2011