The Scottish Episcopal Church has celebrated the consecration of the Rt Rev Dr Keith Riglin as the new Bishop of Argyll and The Isles at a special service in Oban. The diocese covers the Western Isles.
The event in St John’s Scottish Episcopal Cathedral Cathedral was broadcast live to an online audience because of Covid restrictions. Guests watched from France, Ghana, Australia and the United States.
Bishop Keith was selected from a short-
He replaces Rt Rev Kevin Pearson who moved to the Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway last year.
The church now has a seven bishops for the first time in five years.
Most Rev Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, said: “In these restricted times it has been impossible to gather the diocese and province together in Oban, but by the power of digital communication we were are all gathered together in prayer and in worship.
“I am delighted to welcome Bishop Keith into the College of Bishops. As bishop of Argyll and the Isles he will bring with him the cares and concerns as well as the joys of this beautiful diocese.
"Bishop Keith has already demonstrated his love for the churches spread along the western edge of Scotland and I believe that for him and his family that love will only grow."
Previously, Bishop Keith was chaplain at King’s College London, where he was also a visiting lecturer in religious studies. He served as assistant priest at St Anne’s Church, Soho and as an authorised presbyter at Wesley’s Chapel, London.
Prior to his appointment at King’s in 2012, he served briefly in the Diocese of Argyll and The Isles.
He has two daughters and lives with his wife Canon Jennifer Smith, a Methodist presbyter and superintendent minister of Wesley’s Chapel, London.
He enjoys cinema and contemporary dance, is a passionate fan of the music of the late Beatles member George Harrison, and has been a life-
The Scottish Episcopal Church has 300 congregations across Scotland, and is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
New Episcopal bishop consecrated in Argyll and the Isles
2 May 2021
