The Episcopal Church in the Philippines has elected a new bishop in a synod held on April 7 and 8.
Bishop Brent Harry Alawas of Northern Philippines will take over as prime bishop (Primate) of the Episcopal Church starting June when Prime Bishop Joel Pachao retires.
The Church held its Synod in a “hybrid format” wherein delegates gathered in diocesan venues and were connected through an online conference service.
Bishop Brent, the only nominee, was elected on the first ballot during the synod, which carried the theme “Recovering our Prophetic Ministry.”
The gathering approved a resolution expressing opposition to the country’s new an anti-terrorism law and called on the government for a more vigorous and compassionate approach to combat COVID-19.
The synod also agreed that the Visayas Mission Area will be elevated into a missionary diocese within the next triennium.
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines is a province of the Anglican Communion. It was established by the Episcopal Church of the United States in 1901 by American missionaries led by Charles Henry Brent, who served as the first resident bishop. It became an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion on May 1, 1990.
At present, the Episcopal Church has seven dioceses and is responsible for institutions such as the St. Luke’s Medical Center, Brent International School, St. Stephen’s High School, and Trinity University of Asia. Its principal ministerial training institution is St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary.
The Church is in a concordat of full communion with the Philippine Independent Church and is a member of both the Christian Conference of Asia and the National Council of Churches in the Philippines.
