Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry and Registrar of General Convention, the Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, have notified the Diocese of San Joaquin that Bishop David Rice has received the required consents, from both bishops with jurisdiction and standing committees of the Episcopal Church, to become Bishop Diocesan.
Under Canon III.11.3 (b), Standing Committees must “testify that we know of no impediment” which would cause them not to support a bishop-elect from being a bishop. Bishops exercising jurisdiction (essentially, Bishops Diocesan), either consent or do not. In each case, a majority is required for a bishop-elect to become bishop.
Since 2014, Bishop Rice has served as bishop with provisional charge and authority for the Diocese of San Joaquin (Canon III.13.1). Previously, he served as Assistant Bishop of San Joaquin and Bishop in the Diocese of Waiapu in Aotearoa/New Zealand and Polynesia.
Bishop Rice was elected Bishop Diocesan of San Joaquin on March 4 and will be installed as Bishop Diocesan on November 18; Presiding Bishop Curry will officiate at the service.