Mass. Episcopalians Elect New Bishop

BOSTON (AP) — The Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts has a new bishop.

Clergy and lay delegates from parishes and missions across the diocese on Saturday voted for Alan Gates to succeed retiring M. Thomas Shaw, who has led the church since 1994.

Gates is currently serving as rector of St. Paul's Church in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. He was among seven candidates during polling at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul in Boston.

Clergy and lay delegates voted separately. A majority of votes on the same ballot from both clergy and laypersons was required for election.

The diocese says online that Gates was elected in the fourth round of voting.

Gates is scheduled to be consecrated on Sept. 13 to will lead the diocese with 185 congregations in the eastern part of Massachusetts.

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