Episcopal Diocese of Rochester installs bishop

Rt. Rev. Prince Singh is the first foreign-born bishop for the diocese
Chris Swingle Staff writer
May 31, 2008

With music, South Indian dance, swooping streamers and the laying of hands, the eight-county Episcopal Diocese of Rochester consecrated the Rt. Rev. Prince G. Singh as their new bishop today at the Eastman Theatre.

Singh, 45, a native of India, is the first foreign-born bishop and the first bishop of color for the 52-congregation diocese. He was most recently the rector of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in the Diocese of Newark, N.J.

The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the national Episcopal Church, said in her sermon that she recently was at the Brooklyn Bridge, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary. She told the audience of about 1,500 that their task was to bless a new bridge builder for the Rochester diocese.

“Prince is among you to be a bridge, build bridges and to teach and encourage other bridge builders,” said Schori, who in 2006 became the first female head of any Anglican denomination.

Singh takes the helm of the diocese from the retiring bishop, Rt. Rev. Jack McKelvey. article