The Path to Becoming a Bishop: Appointment, Election, and Ordination

The role of a bishop is a significant one in the leadership and governance of a church. This article explores the two primary pathways through which a pastor can become a bishop: by appointment or election, and through episcopal ordination. We will also delve into the details of the process for the Church of Sweden and its unique practices.

By Appointment or Election

Many churches, including those with Episcopal polity such as Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, and Lutheran denominations, have a process where a pastor can become a bishop either by appointment or election. In these processes, a group responsible for the selection assembles a list of highly experienced priests.

Appointment: Usually, the central authority or a representative of the church appoints the candidate from the list. Election: In an election process, a group of church leaders or members vote on a candidate. An elected candidate may need official appointment from the central authority or a representative of the state.

Auxiliary, suffragan, or curial bishops might be appointed directly by the diocesan archbishop.

By Episcopal Ordination/Consecration

Another path to becoming a bishop involves episcopal ordination or consecration. This tradition usually involves a main consecrator, two co-consecrators, and several other bishops who lay hands on the candidate. The consecration itself includes prayers, vows about episcopal responsibilities, the laying of hands, and ceremonial dressing in episcopal vestments.

The Process in the Church of Sweden

In the Church of Sweden, the process of electing a bishop is quite unique and involves multiple steps. Here’s how it works:

Nomination and Verification

The process begins with a nomination election, where electors can propose candidates. Each of the 13 dioceses typically has at least two candidates, with numbers ranging from 3 to 28. A four-person council, appointed by the General Synod, verifies the candidates. This council is composed of:

A current or former court judge A priest with a doctorate in theology One priest and one layperson who have been members of a cathedral chapter

The council ensures that the candidates are baptized, confirmed members of the Church of Sweden, and willing to serve with everyone in all duties regardless of their gender. Despite this requirement for all clergy roles since 1994, it occasionally poses a problem, primarily due to the opposition to the ordination of women.

Public Questioning and Voting

After verification, a public questioning of the candidates takes place. Then, a vote is held with all candidates being considered. Those receiving at least 50% of the vote are official candidates. If no candidate reaches 50%, a second round is held between the top 2 candidates. The winner is scheduled for episcopal consecration, typically at Uppsala Cathedral with the Archbishop of Uppsala as the main consecrator.

Ordination Before Consecration

Although it is not a requirement for a candidate to be a priest, if they are not, they will be ordained a priest before the episcopal consecration. In the Church of Sweden, only three candidates have not been priests, and these were two deacons and one non-ordained theology professor.

Conclusion

The journey to becoming a bishop involves a combination of selection processes and a solemn consecration ceremony. Each church has its own unique practices, but the commonality lies in the importance of the role and the rigorous selection processes.