A New Bishop Ordained: The Rt. Rev. Nicholas Knisely, 13th Bishop of RI

Knisely with the people of the diocese, just before he is ordained Bishop

[11.17.2012] On this crisp, sunny November afternoon nearly 2,000 Episcopalians gathered at St. George's School in Middletown, Rhode Island where by the grace of God and with the consent of the people, The Very Reverend William Nicholas Knisely, Jr was ordained a bishop, the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island.

This past June, in a torrential rain storm, Rhode Island Episcopalians elected The Rev. Knisely, definitively, on the first ballot out of a slate of 5 nominees. Despite the day's weather there was much hope and anticipation in the air.

Then the wait began. In July at The Episcopal Church's General Convention in Indianapolis, the Bishop-Elect received his final consents from the House of Deputies and the House of Bishops. With a little pomp and circumstance Convention transferred him from the Arizona deputation to be part of the Rhode Island deputation.

Anticipation grew. A few were lucky enough to spend some time getting to know him in Indianapolis, but it wasn't until he relocated to Rhode Island in September that the state really began to meet the Bishop-Elect. The Rev. Knisely took up residence in the May House, a diocesan property in Wickford, and was joined by his wife Karen a little later when she finished her work in Arizona. Their daughter Kenney is in college at Arizona state.

For two and a half months now, Almost-Bishop Knisely has been in and out of Rhode Island churches and the diocesan office, consulting with (now retired) Bishop Wolf, learning about the history, the ministries, the people, the deep desires RI Episcopalians have for the future of the Church in their communities. 

Now it is my pleasure, after six months of excited suspense, to announce that Bishop-Elect Knisely is officially the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island.

The Chief Consecrator at the ceremony was The Most Reverend Katharine Jefferts Schori, Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church. At a clergy meeting the day before the Ordination, the presiding Bishop applauded Bishop Wolf as well as the RI Search and Transition Committees, thanking them for walking the diocese through such a healthy transition. She told clergy that where there is health there is promise, and this is a promising new era to begin together.

The Ordination Sermon was given by The Rt. Rev. Kirk Smith, Bishop of Arizona where Knisely previously served as Dean of the Cathedral.  Bishop Smith applauded RI for electing a "digital Bishop" who knows how to speak the language of the 21st century and engage youth. The sermon began with an unusual request; for all to pull out their cell phones and turn them ON. The sermon ended with a similar exhortation; take that phone and tweet or post or check-in online, let friends and family see faith in action today.

The service was followed by a festive reception, and the Ordination's fall cornucopia decor will be donated to local Rhode Island food banks.  For photos of the afternoon, visit the Ordination Photo Album on Facebook.

Congratulations Bishop Knisely! Congratulations Rhode Island!

Bishop Wolf, the 12th Bishop of RI, passes the crozier to Bishop Knisely, the 13th Bishop of Rhode Island