Presiding Bishop Elect Questions

Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe addresses deputies and bishops in the House of Deputies after his election and confirmation June 26. Photo by Randall Gornowich

Were you wondering what happens to the Diocese of Western New York now that Bishop Rowe has been elected Presiding Bishop?  The Partnership has that covered!
Find answers to some frequently asked questions on the website, and if your question hasn't yet been answered, email it to [email protected].
Read the FAQs.

Since Bishop Sean was elected presiding bishop on Wednesday, many media outlets have covered the story. Here's a selection:

• Erie Times News: 'People Person' Sean Rowe ready for 'big undertaking' as Episcopal presiding bishop

• Buffalo News: Pennsylvania Bishop Sean Rowe elected new leader of Episcopal Church. He’s the youngest since 1789

• Church Times (UK): Rust Belt change-manager elected as next US Presiding Bishop

• The New York Times: The Episcopal Church Has Elected Its Youngest Leader in Centuries

• The Living Church: Sean W. Rowe Elected as 28th Presiding Bishop

Bishop Sean preached at the closing Eucharist of the General Convention this morning. Watch the video.

​Scaled-down installation planned for
Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe 
Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe, together with the planning committees for his transition and installation, announced today that they will forego the traditional installation service in Washington National Cathedral in favor of a smaller, simpler ceremony in the chapel at the church’s New York headquarters.

This service will be livestreamed, and simultaneous interpretation will be available in multiple languages to ensure churchwide access.

“With gratitude to all involved, I have decided to begin this ministry in a new way,” Rowe said. “With a simple service at the Church Center that will include everyone via livestream, we can care for God’s creation by reducing our collective carbon footprint. I have great respect and admiration for the ministry of Washington National Cathedral. My seating will take place in the following months, and I am grateful to Dean Hollerith and the cathedral staff as we plan for that event.”

The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, offered her remarks on this decision:

“We in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and Washington National Cathedral wholeheartedly support Presiding Bishop-elect Rowe in his desire for an installation experience that is accessible to all and wisely stewards technologies that are available to us. We look forward to the day of his seating at the cathedral, and we will celebrate that occasion with great joy.”
 
“God is calling The Episcopal Church into a new future, and this service will mark the beginning of that journey,” Rowe said.
 
Further details on the installation will be provided as they become available.