Diocese gathers for historic, joyful consecration

“El Camino Real, meet your new bishop!”

With that joyful cry, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry introduced the Rt. Rev. Lucinda Beth Ashby to a cheering crowd of nearly 850 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Saratoga, California. Ashby was ordained and consecrated on Jan. 11 as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real, the second female bishop to succeed a female bishop in Episcopal Church history.

The service was held in English, Spanish, and Tagalog, reflecting the diversity of the diocese. Presiding Bishop Curry led the service as chief consecrator, while the sermon was preached by the Rev. John Kater, professor emeritus of ministry development at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. Following the service, a celebratory reception was held at St. Andrew’s.

The consecration service marked the close of Bishop Mary’s memorable and transformative 12-year era as bishop of the Diocese of El Camino Real, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Gray-Reeves has been named the managing director of the College for Bishops. At its peak at least 170 were viewing the service, which includes viewing parties at four churches across the diocese with live Communion timed to match the events taking place at St. Andrew’s. Since Saturday that viewing total has soared to more than 1,600! The service can be viewed at the diocesan YouTube page here. Thanks to John Plocher and his team of Logan Fitzpatrick and Enoc Wild for amazing coverage that was viewed across the US and internationally.

Read the diocesan E-news story with photos here. More photos and videos can be seen at El Camino Real’s Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages (membership not needed). Interviews with Presiding Bishop Curry and Bishop Ashby were done by NBC Bay Area (story here) and KSBW Action News in the central coast (see KSBW stories at the diocesan Facebook page).

Thanks to the Transition Committee, the St. Andrew’s team, diocesan volunteers, and everyone else who worked so hard to make this historic day possible!

Above: Following the consecration, Bishop Lucinda stands with Bishop Mary Gray-Reeves and the Rt. Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori (right), previous presiding bishop of The Episcopal Church, who ordained Gray-Reeves in 2007 as California’s first female bishop.

Below: Bishop Lucinda and Presiding Bishop Michael Curry; photos from the consecration