Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a bishop for this Diocese, that we may receive a faithful pastor, who will care for your people and equip us for our ministries; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
—BCP page 818
The Diocese of New Jersey congratulates The Very Rev. Brian K. Burgess, rector of Christ Church Woodbury and Dean of the Woodbury Convocation of the diocese upon the notification of canonical consent to his election as the next bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, Illinois.
The following notice appears on the web site of The Episcopal Church:
The Episcopal Diocese of Springfield has received notification from Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry that Bishop-elect Brian K. Burgess 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 attest to knowing of “no impediment on account of which” Bishop-elect Burgess ought not to be ordained as bishop, and that his election was conducted in accordance with the canons.
Burgess was elected bishop diocesan on Dec. 11. His consecration and ordination service is scheduled for May 21.
About Brian Burgess
The Very Reverend Brian K. Burgess currently serves as the 13th rector of Christ Church in Woodbury, New Jersey, and Dean of the three county Woodbury Convocation of parishes and missions. Canonically resident in the Diocese of New Jersey since 2005, Fr. Burgess has held various leadership roles, including serving on Diocesan Council and Diocesan Standing Committee.
Prior to being called as rector of Christ Church, Fr. Burgess served as rector of Saint John’s in Brooksville, Florida, and associate priest and chaplain to the Parish Day School at Saint Luke’s in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Music from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, and his Master of Divinity from Sewanee—The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He is married to his college sweetheart, Denise Lee, and they have two children, Robert and Catherine.
