Consecration of Clement. Clement kneeling with Gospel Book across his shoulders

Consecration of Clement. Clement kneeling with Gospel Book across his shoulders

Robert Mary Clement kneels before the altar with the Book of the Gospels resting across his shoulders during the central rite of episcopal consecration at Metropolitan-Duane United Methodist Church in New York City on October 6, 1974. He was consecrated bishop by Archbishop Richard Arthur Marchenna, assisted by Bishop Martin Luther Williams, with Rev. Albert J. Berube of the North American Old Roman Catholic Church (Archdiocese of New York) also participating in the ceremony. At left, Fr. John Darcy Noble is seen from behind, while Fr. Leo Joseph stands to the right of Archbishop Marchenna. An unidentified acolyte supports the Gospel Book during the rite. Widely publicized and televised in New York City, the consecration was presented as the first public episcopal consecration of an openly gay bishop in the United States.

Church of the Beloved Disciple Archive, https://beloved-disciple.com

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