After 27 years under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. William E. Swing, the Episcopal Diocese of California welcomed the Rt. Rev. Marc Handley Andrus as its 8th Bishop in a grand celebration with almost 3,000 people in attendance at San Francisco’s Grace Cathedral.

The service began with the entrance of banners from many of the congregations and organizations of this 27,000-member diocese, followed by lion dancers, youth of the diocese, ecumenical and interfaith dignitaries, clergy and other diocesan representatives, and Episcopal bishops from throughout the greater Episcopal Church.

As they entered in procession, loud applause greeted retiring Bishop William E. Swing, Bishop-elect Andrus, The Rt. Rev. Harry B. Bainbridge III of the Diocese of Idaho, and -- a surprise to many -- Presiding Bishop-elect Katherine Jefferts Schori.

The diversity of the Diocese of California was reflected in readings from scripture in English, Mandarin, and Spanish. The choir was made up of more than 200 members of congregations from throughout the diocese, and the music also reflected the cultural diversity of the diocese

The Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, Bishop of North Carolina, preached a sermon honoring the Feast of St. Mary Magdalene, and upon completion was greeted with a standing ovation -- a rare event for an Anglican service.

Then the installation portion of the service began with Bishop Bainbridge -- representative of the Most Rev. Frank Griswold, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church -- officially installing Bishop Andrus as of Bishop of California.

Bishop Swing presented Andrus with the diocesan crosier (or pastoral staff). A representative from the youth then gave Andrus a bishop’s ring and seal. And finally, he took a vow reminiscent of an oath of office. Once completed, all in attendance rose for a standing ovation.

Following the exchanging of the peace and the Holy Eucharist, the assembly adjourned to the cathedral's plaza and onto Taylor Street for food, drink, and entertainment. Many stood in long lines and 90+ degree heat to meet the new Bishop of California who stood greeting visitors for more than two hours.

A Personal Story

One man reported that the most moving moment of the entire day occurred after 99% of the attendees had left. As he was coming down the steps of the cathedral he wished that he had just one more chance to thank Bishop Swing for all that he had done, when suddenly he saw Bishop William & Mary Swing walking along Taylor Street hand-in-hand before turning into the crypt entrance of Grace Cathedral. He wanted to say something, but was moved so much by the moment that he began to shed tears. A couple of minutes later he turned to look up the steps of the cathedral to see Bishop Marc & Sheila Andrus coming down the steps hand-in-hand. He wished them the best and pledged his support. He then sat down on the steps, smoked a cigarette, and watched as things were loaded onto trucks. When he finished the cigarette, he turned to see Presiding Bishop-elect Katherine Jefferts Schori and her husband standing on California Street with their luggage chatting with each other. Before he could go over and congratulate her, a car came along and Jefferts Schori and her husband headed off to the airport. He sat back down and realized what the entire day was, and that was a day of love. Not only the love of God, but the love that we have for each other.

Earl (most commonly called Clinton) is a member of St. James Oakland, and is the Webmaster for the Afro-Anglicans Online, and other websites.

Photos by Jan Sturmann.