Episcopal Press and News

East Tennessee bishop-elect receives church's consent

Episcopal News Service. May 10, 2011 [051011-01]

ENS staff

Diocese of East Tennessee Bishop-elect George D. Young III has received the required majority of consents from the wider Episcopal Church to his consecration and ordination, according to a press release from the Office of Public Affairs.

Young was elected on Feb. 12. His ordination and consecration service is set for June 25; Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will officiate.

Under the canons of the Episcopal Church (III.11.4), a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to a bishop-elect's ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election.

While Young has already received the necessary majority of consents, consents will continue to be accepted up to and including the July 9 deadline date, the release said.

Young, 55, will succeed Bishop Charles G. vonRosenberg, who will retire upon his successor's ordination. VonRosenberg served the diocese for more than 12 years.

Young has served as rector of St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Fernandina Beach, Florida, since 1997. Previously, he served as rector of St. Elizabeth, Jacksonville, Florida, for five years, and as assistant at St. Giles, Northbrook, Illinois (Diocese of Chicago) for two years. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1990.

Young and his wife, the Rev. Kammy Young, have two children, George and Lucy, both in college.

The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee encompasses an area of approximately 14,350 square miles. The diocese is composed of 45 congregations and five worshiping communities serving nearly 16,000 active members.