On Thursday, January 16, 2025, the Anglican Church in North America’s College of Bishops consented to the election of four bishops-elect.
“Today is an extraordinary day in the life of the Anglican Church in North America as we receive four gifted men into the College of Bishops. I trust God is providing for our needs with their abilities,” said the Most Rev. Steve Wood, Archbishop and Primate of the Anglican Church in North America.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Phil Ashey was elected by the Diocese of Western Anglicans on October 19, 2024 to be its next bishop ordinary. Originally from California, Ashey studied to be a lawyer and served as a deputy district attorney prior to attending seminary. He then served for 20 years in full time parish ministry before beginning full time work for the American Anglican Council (AAC) in 2008. He has most recently served as the President and CEO of AAC. Ashey will become bishop after the retirement of the Rt. Rev. Keith Andrews on Saturday, March 29, 2025. Ashey said, “I am blessed and honored to be affirmed in this calling to serve the people and the congregations in the Diocese of Western Anglicans. Julie and I are reminded of one of our favorite hymns, ‘His grace has brought us safe thus far and grace will lead us home.’”
As a bishop’s son, the Rev. Jason Grote is aware of the role he is stepping into. Grote currently serves as the Canon Missioner in the Reformed Episcopal Church and is excited to continue that focus of church growth in the Diocese of the Central States. He commented, “I am eager to embrace the opportunities the Lord presents to us in the Diocese, and to work with all my fellow servants as we seek to grow the Kingdom of God together.” Grote and his family (wife, Liz, and children, Aidan and Avery) will move from Houston to the Diocese of the Central States after his daughter’s graduation from high school in May 2026.
The Special Jurisdiction of Armed Forces and Chaplaincy will consecrate two new suffragan bishops as current suffragan bishops, the Rt. Rev. Michael Williams and the Rt. Rev. Mark Nordstrom, both prepare to retire and serve as assisting bishops.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Marshall MacClellan has served in ministry for over 37 years. He previously served as an U.S. Air Force Chaplain and currently serves as a chaplain for hospice and local law enforcement. MacClellan also serves as Canon Theologian for the Special Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy. In addition, MacClellan was an instructor at the Air Force Chaplain Corps College, teaching leadership and leading as Chief of the Education Division. He and his wife, Christy, have been married for 37 years and have five children. “Christy and I are so honored and blessed to serve our province and jurisdiction,” he expressed. “To God be the glory.”
Ordained in 1996, the Rev. Jerome “Jay” Cayangyang is a Navy Reserve chaplain with almost 35 years of service and currently also serves as rector and dean of Bishop Seabury Anglican Church, Pro-Cathedral of the Anglican Diocese of the Living Word. He has served numerous active duty and reserve assignments, including two combat deployments to Iraq. In addition to his parish duties, he currently serves as the Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps for Reserve Matters. Cayangyang and his wife, Linda, live in Connecticut and have five adult children. “I’m deeply humbled by this opportunity,” Cayangyang said. “I am truly grateful for all of my ministry to this point: the Special Jurisdiction of the Armed Forces and Chaplaincy, Anglican Diocese of the Living Word, and Bishop Seabury Church. I am grateful for their love and friendship. The Lord used my time in those ministries to prepare me for this new role as a bishop. And finally, I am so thankful for my family and their partnership in the ministry.”
This week, the College of Bishops also received the Rt. Rev. Paul Donison, as a member of the College, welcomed retired bishop Rt. Rev. Gerry Shnackenburg into the Province.
