The Bishop-elect of Armidale, Rick Lewers, has been consecrated bishop before a packed congregation at St Andrew's Cathedral in Sydney.

The consecration, on Friday 25th May, came the week before Bishop Lewers' installation at St Peter's Cathedral in Armidale.

Family, friends and well-wishers came from as far away as Townsville, Perth, Canberra and Armidale for the service. 

Archbishop Peter Jensen welcomed the large crowd saying they were all sharing in a public event, not something 'done in an office somewhere'.

20 bishops and archbishops attended and the preacher at the service, the Rev Kanishka Raffel flew in from Perth.

(Photo: Kanishka Raffel, Rector of Shenton Park)

Mr Raffel served as assistant minister under Bishop Lewers, when he was rector of Waniassa in Canberra.

"We serve in the Lord's mission" Mr Raffel told the congregation. "We are asking Rick to lead us but it is not his mission and it is not our mission and it is not our effort that will bring it to completion. It is the Lord's work and it is the Lord's church and he will do it." 

"It is a mighty project and it is worth an occasion to committ our leaders to God in prayer." Mr Raffel said.

Prayers were led by former deputy Prime Minister John Anderson and former colleagues from the Department of Evangelism, Jim and Lesley Ramsay.

Friend and congregation member Colin Buchanan sang, as did members of the Engadine music team.

(Photo: Colin Buchanan sings)

Once the vows of office were taken and the bishops laid hands on him, the new Bishop was introduced to the crowd by Archbishop Jensen.

There followed thirty seconds of sustained applause and cheers.

(Photo: A congratulatory kiss for the new bishop)

Bishop Lewers and his wife Janene spoke to the crowd and special mention was made of the new bishop's golfing friends, who were present at the service. As well, Bishop Lewers thanked the Archbishop and his mentor John Chapman who was also present. He paid tribute to his old friend Steve McKerihan, who died last year.

(Photo: Members of the Engadine Youth Group)

The bishop also acknowledged the youth group from his congregation at Engadine who he said he'd "never heard so quiet'.

Further coverage in July Southern Cross.

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