Happening this very weekend, on Saturday August 3 is the election of the new diocesan bishop of Taiwan. Prayers requested please!

The mandatory retirement age for bishops in the Episcopal Church is 72, so our current diocesan bishop, Bishop David J. H. Lai 賴榮信主教 must retire before March 3, 2020. Bishop Lai is the 5th diocesan bishop of Taiwan, he was consecrated on November 25, 2000 as coadjutor, and then installed as diocesan bishop in 2001 on the retirement of Bishop John C. T. Chien 簡啟聰主教. So we are electing our 6th diocesan bishop as Bishop Lai’s successor. The date of consecration, ordination and installation is provisionally set as February 22, 2020.

We have 3 official nominees, seen in the photo below with Bishop Lai, all are from within the Diocese of Taiwan. From left: Rev. Lennon Y. R. Chang 張員榮牧師, rector of Advent Church, Taipei, Bishop David J. H. Lai, Rev. Lily L. L. Chang 張玲玲牧師, rector of St. James’ Church, Taichung, and Rev. Joseph M. L. Wu 吳明龍牧師, vicar of St. Mark’s Church, Pingtung.

The 3 nominees were confirmed at our diocesan convention in March, then in April, May and June, there were 3 very well-attended public forums, one each in the north, central and south Taiwan. It was a chance for the nominees to share about themselves, their vision for the diocese, and an opportunity to ask and answer questions.

We are pleased to welcome Rev. Canon Bruce Woodcock, coming to Taiwan for the election on behalf of the US-based Episcopal Church, of which Taiwan is an overseas diocese, part of Province VIII.

The election of the new bishop takes place this coming Saturday, August 3 at St. James’ Church, Taichung, starting at 10:00 am with a service, followed by the actual election. Most people are traveling there for the day from our various churches throughout Taiwan. We pray for safe travels and good weather, a smooth election and a clear result. Please join us in prayer!