The Providence Journal / Andrew Dickerman
The Very Rev. W. Nicholas Knisely Jr. stands as he is ordained as 13th Episcopal bishop of Rhode Island in a ceremony at St. George's School in Middletown on Saturday.
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. -- In a joyful ceremony that drew more than 2,000 participants, W. Nicholas Knisely Jr. became the Diocese of Rhode Island's 13th Episcopal bishop Saturday.
Before the service at St. George's School was over, the new bishop received the laying on of hands from six consecrating bishops, including the U.S. presiding bishop, and outstretched hands from 22 other bishops.
Arizona Bishop Kirk Smith, who had been Knisely's boss when Knisely was dean of the Cathedral in Phoenix, told everyone to turn on their cell phones.
"Why? Because, my brothers and sisters, you've got yourself a bishop for the 21st century, a digital bishop who is going to help you to communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ in a whole new exciting way."