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On Sunday 3rd August the Ven Danny Elizabeth, Archdeacon of the Seychelles, was consecrated as the fifth bishop of the diocese in a joyful service at St Paul’s Cathedral, Victoria, with the President of the Republic of Seychelles and other leading dignitaries present in the congregation. He is the second Seychellois bishop and succeeds the former Primate of the Indian Ocean, Archbishop James Wong, who retired in January.
The chief consecrator was the Primate of the Anglican Church of the Indian Ocean, the Most Revd Gilbert Rateloson. In a stirring sermon he spoke of the role of the bishop as a guardian of the faith, noting that “Before there is ever a shepherd appointed by the Church, there is a shepherd who was slain for the Church”, he reminded the congregation that true authority comes from Jesus Christ and being faithful to him. “Jesus warns of false shepherds” he said, and “not everyone who bears a title speaks with heaven’s voice”. Referring to one of the readings, Ephesians 6:1-10, the Archbishop warned ‘we are not in a season of peace – we are in a season of war. Not against people, but against spiritual powers that seek to divide, deceive and destroy. And so the Church must be armed.”
Later in the service, the newly consecrated bishop affirmed three pillars of his ministry, a teaching ministry founded on the Scriptures as he the Word of God, mission to enable people to come to a personal faith in Christ and a prophetic witness to wider society.
GSFA was represented by Canon Charles Raven, Development Secretary, who brought greetings on behalf of the Chair, Archbishop Justin Badi. Other partners of the Province present were the Relay Trust, represented by Chris Hyliger, CMS Australia, represented by Bishop Malcolm Richards and USPG, represented by Fran Mate.
