Episcopal bishop installed
Capital diocese's new chief ordained with pomp, prayer
By Jennifer Garza - Bee Staff Writer
Sunday, October 1, 2006

In a ceremony that mixed pageantry and prayer, the Rev. Barry L. Beisner was installed Saturday as the seventh bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern California.

About 1,000 supporters at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Sacramento cheered after Beisner received the symbols of his new position, including a cross that is worn close to the bishop's heart and a pastoral staff.

Beisner's first public words as bishop were: "The Peace of the Lord be always with you."

The 2 1/2-hour installation began with a procession of church leaders. Local clergy and lay people as well as bishops from across the country participated in the ceremony, including Katharine Jefferts Schori, the first woman elected presiding bishop of the U.S. Episcopal Church. Jefferts Schori did her field work in Sacramento when she was a seminarian.

Beisner, who officially became bishop after several bishops laid their hands on his head and prayed, appeared humbled by the outpouring of support.

Beisner, 54, was elected by Sacramento-area delegates in May. He has served as a priest in the diocese for 17 years, most recently as canon to the ordinary (assistant to the bishop), at diocesan headquarters in downtown Sacramento.

He has been considered a controversial choice because of his marital history. He is believed to be the first bishop in the church to have been divorced twice and married three times.

The controversy over Beisner's election was an issue again Saturday.

As is custom, the presiding bishop asked the audience if anyone knew of a reason why the ceremony should not proceed.

One man, later identified as the Rev. James Wilson of Redding, stood up and the ceremony was briefly stopped.

Wilson later said he did not wish to speak publicly but handed out a statement saying the bishop's marital status is deeply troubling to the church.

But many in the diocese -- which reaches from Galt to the Oregon border -- say Beisner is the best person for the job and praise the way he's handled the controversy.

"He has handled it all with such dignity and grace and humility -- all ingredients of a wonderful leader," said Beth Banks, a longtime member of Trinity Cathedral in Sacramento.

"I think he's going to do a wonderful job."

Alix Wandesforde-Smith has known Beisner for more than 20 years.

She flew in from Seattle for the installation.

"He is one of the best people I know and I can't say enough good things about him," Wandesforde-Smith said.

Beisner is becoming bishop at a troubled time in the church. The U.S. Episcopal Church has been in turmoil since the 2003 election of Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop.

The rift between liberals and conservatives grew this summer after Jefferts Schori was elected presiding bishop in June.

Many church leaders have threatened to leave the Episcopal Church over what they believe is a lack of biblical adherence.

Retiring Bishop Jerry Lamb also acknowledged the divisiveness in the church and wished his successor well.

"I'm sorry you have come into the office of bishop when there is such turmoil," said Lamb, who added that he believes Beisner is "up to the task."

Beisner did not give a homily. But in a previous interview with The Bee he stated that his primary goal as bishop will be "to bring everyone to the table."

His installation ceremony reflected Beisner's wish for inclusiveness.

Parts of the ceremony were in Spanish, and members of the Four Winds Congregation led the audience in performing a traditional Lakota song.

The refrain in the processional hymn was "All are welcome."

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