Episcopal Press and News
Maine consecrates Stephen Lane as bishop coadjutor
Episcopal News Service. May 6, 2008 [050608-02]
Lisa B. Hamilton, Correspondent for Episcopal Life Media in Provinces I and IV
The Episcopal Diocese of Maine consecrated the Rev. Canon Stephen Taylor Lane as bishop coadjutor May 3 in Portland's Cathedral of St. Luke. Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori was the chief consecrator.
Lane, 58, began the service wearing in a simple white alb, but later donned vestments featuring Maine's evergreens and the ocean that defines its coast. The vestments were a gift from the Diocese of Rochester, where Lane served as canon for Deployment and Ministry Development prior to his election.
Rochester Bishop Jack M. McKelvey, Lane's former boss, preached during the service. "Stephen Lane always sees there's more meat on the bones if you pick at them," McKelvey said. "He will not take things at face value. He will always dig more deeply.
"Your call is not just about words," the bishop told Lane and his new flock. "It's about action. The connections between the two may not always come easily. Sometimes, you must pick at the bones to see where they come together."
Along with McKelvey, co-consecrators at the service included Maine Bishop Chilton Knudsen; New Hampshire Bishop Gene V. Robinson; and Connecticut Bishop Suffragan James E. Curry, president of the House of Bishops in Province I.
"The consecration was a true celebration for the people of Maine," said Curry. "It's clear that both bishops Knudsen and Lane are enjoying working together during this time of transition, because both of them have Christ as the center of their episcopal leadership.
"For me personally, it's a pleasure to welcome Steve to Province I, because he has a deep understanding of the Church's connectedness," he added. "The ethos of our province is collaboration and support for one another in mission, and I know that Steve brings that spirit to the province and the entire Episcopal Church."
As bishop coadjutor, Lane will work alongside Knudsen until her retirement in September 2008. Earlier that month, Lane will be installed as diocesan bishop. Knudsen announced her retirement and called for the election of a coadjutor at the annual diocesan convention in October 2005.
Lane was ordained in 1978 and holds degrees from the University of Rochester, Colgate-Rochester Crozer and Bexley Hall seminaries.
While in Maine, Jefferts Schori also met with clergy of the diocese and celebrated the Eucharist and preached in Spanish at a service of Mision San Lucas at Christ Episcopal Church in Biddeford.
The Diocese of Maine consists of 67 parishes and 17,000 members.