Reverend Joel Pachao, 61, the sixth prime bishop of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines. (Photo courtesy of the Episcopal News Service)
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines has elected Reverend Joel Pachao, 61, as the sixth prime bishop of the church.
"What we need to do is to build on what has been accomplished," said the new prelate, who will replace the current prime bishop, Renato Abibico.
The Episcopal News Service quoted Pachao saying that the church in the Philippines will "seek additional ways of living out the [church's mission] in the light of new challenges that come our way."
Pachao, who was ordained priest in 1982 after graduating from St. Andrew's Theological Seminary in Quezon City, will be installed in June.
He served as priest in seven locations until his consecration as bishop in 1993.
The Episcopal Church in the Philippines began as a missionary diocese of the U.S.-based Episcopal Church and became an independent church in the Anglican Communion in 1998.
