During the weekend of April 24to 26th, the Bishops and Apostolic Administrators of the Catholic Apostolic Church of Antioch gathered together to pray, discern and to listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit. This gathering took place during the regularly scheduled annual Bishops Retreat, but was made special by the need to elect a new Presiding Bishop as Archbishop Richard Gundrey made his retirement effective on January 25th, 2009. Most Reverend Alan Kemp, acting as Interim Presiding Bishop, managed the process and the retreat until the new Presiding Bishop was selected.

Most Reverend Mark Newman (wearing the miter in the picture), Bishop of Arizona, has been selected as the new Presiding Bishop. The term of office for the Office of Presiding Bishop is five years, after which, according to Church Canon, an orderly process will be followed to discern and select the next Presiding Bishop.

Also during this retreat Most Reverend Jorge Eagar was named Treasurer for Church Central and Most Reverend Patsy Grubbs was named Director of Clergy.

The Retreat was a historic first for the Church as the Council of Bishops, opening themselves to one another in prayer and discussion, allowed the selection to be revealed during what was a very spiritually rewarding time for all. Presiding Bishop Mark has begun his work as the pastoral as well as the organizational head of the church.

Congratulations, +++Mark.

Photo courtesy of Kathy Perry