Welcome to the ACC's Newest Bishop

On September 20, the Right Reverend Rommie M Starks, representing Archbishop Mark Haverland, was Chief Consecrator at the Consecration of The Right Revd Damien Mead and enthroned him as 2nd Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the United Kingdom of the Anglican Catholic Church in a magnificient ceremony at the Chapel of St Augustine's College, Westgate on Sea, Kent.

Bishop Starks, Bishop Ordinary of the Diocese of the Midwest, USA, and Episcopal Visitor to the DUK was assisted by The Right Revd Roger Dawson, Retired Bishop in the Patrimony of the Metropolitan, and The Right Revd Dennis Hodge, Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.



On September 21, Bishop Mead celebrated his first Mass as Bishop at St Augustines Church, Canterbury, Kent. In his word of welcome before Mass, Bishop Damien said "In this tiny church, you will find the faith once delivered to the Saints; taught, believed and lived". The Venerable Joseph DeHart, Archdeacon of the Diocese of the Midwest, USA, was guest preacher and the church was packed with people spilling on to the street.



The election of Damien Mead as bishop of the United Kingdom was particularly poignant for me. As vicar general of the diocese, the then Fr Damien was instrumental in my joining the ACC two years ago. He has been a good and faithful priest to me, wise in counsel as I have sought to discern my vocation within the Church, and light of heart. I consider him a good friend, and I rejoice for the people of his diocese that he has now become their shepherd.