Standing Committee Updates

Dear People of the Diocese of Olympia, We are pleased to announce that the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia has received notification from the Presiding Bishop’s Office that Bishop-Elect Philip N. LaBelle has received the required majority of consents in the canonical consent process detailed in Canon III.11.3. The consents received have been certified by The Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, registrar of the General Convention. In giving consent to his ordination and consecration, standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction in The

Dear People of the Diocese of Olympia, It is my great pleasure to announce that sufficient consents have been received – from both a majority of the diocesan Standing Committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction in The Episcopal Church (as detailed in Canon III.10.5), to the reception of the Most Reverend Melissa Skelton into The Episcopal Church from The Anglican Church in Canada. She is now able to serve the Diocese of Olympia as our Bishop Provisional. You can read the

Join the Diocese of Olympia’s Standing Committee and Diocesan Council in thanking Bishop Rickel and his wife, Marti, for their many years of leadership and service to the people and churches of this diocese.

From the Standing Committee: We know you have been waiting to hear who the Standing Committee is calling as the Bishop Provisional for the Diocese of Olympia. We are thrilled to announce that we have found a Bishop Provisional who knows our diocese and brings experience beyond the footprint of Olympia to assist us during this transition time. We introduce to you the Most Reverend Melissa Skelton, current Assisting Bishop in Olympia and the former Archbishop of The Anglican Church

The bishop resigned! What happens next? There are three options that are compatible with both the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church and Diocese of Olympia. Bishop Rickel remains in place and calls for the election of a bishop who will take over when he leaves. If there is overlap, the newly elected bishop is called the “Bishop Co-Adjutor” and on the departure of the “Bishop Diocesan” assumes that title. If there is no overlap (as was the case