Rev Gary Nelson has been consecrated as Bishop of Northwestern Australia, the first of a two step process which will culminate in his installation in late May.

Bishops from Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland and New South Wales joined clergy, friends and family at St Andrew’s Cathedral for the consecration by the Archbishop Roger Herft of  Perth.

The service was led by the Bishop of South Sydney, Robert Forsyth as Archbishop Jensen was overseas. 

Photo: Bishop Nelson (centre) with Presenting bishops David Mulready and Ray Smith

Dr Colin Bale, Bishop Nelson’s colleague from his time as the Director of External Studies at Moore College, preached from 1 Peter 1. Dr Bale spoke of the new bishop’s “passion for gospel ministry and passion for the lost”.

The text, he said, was “appropriate for anyone who is a follower of Jesus, let alone taking up the responsibility as regional bishop of the largest diocese in the world, geographically speaking.” Dr Bale said the “size and remoteness (of the Diocese of the Northwest) will not change the basic shape of christian ministry for there, as here, it is our commitment to gospel ministry that matters.” '

The retired bishop of the Northwest, David Mulready, was one of the presenting bishops.

Photo: Bishop Nelson leaves the Cathedral with his wife Christine and Archbishop Herft

The diocese has 18 parishes consisting of small farming, fishing and mining communities, and three Mission to Seafarers’ ministries. Bishop Nelson’s installation is planned for Saturday 26th May at Holy Cross Cathedral in Geraldton.