[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] The Office of Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori has notified the Diocese of Western Michigan that Bishop-Elect Whayne Hougland has received the required majority of consents in the canonical consent process.

As outlined under Canon III.11.4 (a), the Presiding Bishop confirmed the receipt of consents from a majority of bishops with jurisdiction, and has also reviewed the evidence of consents from a majority of standing committees of the Church sent to her by the diocesan standing committee.

In Canon III.11.4 (b), Standing Committees, in consenting to the ordination and consecration, attest they are “fully sensible of how important it is that the Sacred Order and Office of a Bishop should not be unworthily conferred, and firmly persuaded that it is our duty to bear testimony on this solemn occasion without partiality, do, in the presence of Almighty God, testify that we know of no impediment on account of which the Reverend A.B. ought not to be ordained to that Holy Office. We do, moreover, jointly and severally declare that we believe the Reverend A.B. to have been duly and lawfully elected and to be of such sufficiency in learning, of such soundness in the Faith, and of such godly character as to be able to exercise the Office of a Bishop to the honor of God and the edifying of the Church, and to be a wholesome example to the flock of Christ.”

The Rev. Whayne Hougland, Jr., was elected on May 18.  His ordination and consecration service is slated for September 28; Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori will officiate.

While Bishop-Elect Hougland has received the necessary majority of consents, consents will continue to be accepted up to and including the October 16 deadline date.