New Bishop for Moray, Ross and Caithness

The Scottish Episcopal Church has announced that the Rev Canon Mark Strange has been elected as the new Bishop for the Diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness.

Mark (aged 46) is presently Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Elgin, Priest in Charge of St Margaret's, Lossiemouth; St Michael's, Dufftown and St Margaret's, Aberlour, Canon of St Andrew's Cathedral, Inverness and Synod Clerk of the Diocese. He has lived and worked in Elgin for 10 years.

On hearing the news of his election, Mark said: "I am so excited by this opportunity to work alongside the people of the Highlands and Moray. It is also a wonderful feeling to know that those I have lived and worked amongst are ready to face with me the challenges of mission and ministry in our communities."

The election of the new Bishop was carried out by the Electoral Synod (representatives of clergy and lay church members from the Diocese of Moray, Ross & Caithness), which was chaired by the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev Dr Idris Jones, who said: "The election of Mark will bring a sense of excitement throughout the Diocese and the Province. There now rests upon Mark a great expectation, and he will need the prayers and support of his people as he leads the Diocese forward. I welcome him to the College of Bishops."

Mark is married to Jane. They have three children, Aidan, Beth and Mara. His interests include a love of the outdoors, hill-walking, camping, Scottish history and sharing hospitality with friends and family.

The service of consecration and installation of the new Bishop will take place in October in St Andrew's Cathedral, Inverness. Further details of this service will be available at a later date.

Editor's footnote:
The Scottish Episcopal Church is - in effect - the Scottish equivalent of the Church of England; and is part of the worldwide Anglican communion.

The Very Rev Dr Robert (Bob) Gillies has been elected as the new Bishop for the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney; and is due to be installed into his new responsibilities in St. Andrew's Cathedral, Aberdeen in September this year.