Archdeacon of Newark, Ven Dr Nigel Peyton, has been elected Bishop of Brechin in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
The Rev Canon Dr Alison Peden was not elected. Had she been so elected she would have become the UK’s first female bishop. Mrs Peden was on a shortlist of five for the post, decided by an electoral synod comprising clergymen and lay church members.
The Herald Scotland newspaper commented, “She turns 60 next year, and so may still have time to be promoted should another post become available in the near future.
“She will instead retain her current jobs as Rector of Holy Trinity Church, Stirling; Canon of St Ninian’s Cathedral, Perth; and Provincial Director of Ordinands.”
Dr Peyton, who is currently Archdeacon of Newark, Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham, was elected on Wednesday night last. He said: “I am honoured to have been elected and look forward to returning to serve in the diocese where my ministry began.”
The election of the new bishop was carried out by an Electoral Synod (comprising representatives of clergy and lay church members from the Diocese of Brechin) and was chaired by the Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, who says “I congratulate Archdeacon Peyton on his election. The Scottish Episcopal Church will be delighted to welcome him to leadership in the Diocese of Brechin and to share in the life of the College of Bishops.”
Nigel Peyton is married to Anne, a retired school teacher. His interests include grand-parenting, writing, eclectic reading, music, gardening, supporting Nottingham Forest FC and enjoying real ale!
The Diocese of Brechin became vacant in October 2010 following the early retirement of the late Rt Rev Dr John Mantle, who had served the Diocese of Brechin since 2005. Dr Mantle died in November 2010.
A service of consecration and installation of the new bishop will take place in St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee. Details of this service will be available at a later date.
Women in office
The Lutheran Church in Great Britain already has a female bishop in the Rev Jana Jeruma-Grinberga, consecrated in January 2009.
The Church of Scotland appointed a woman to the role of Moderator of the General Assembly in 2004. Alison Elliot, of Edinburgh, held the post for a year, the first female to do so.
The President of the Methodist Church in Great Britain is currently a woman.
The Scottish Episcopal Church has allowed women to become bishops since 2003, but so far none has been appointed. Mrs Peden, married with three children, was the first to be considered for appointment in 2010.