New bishop to be elected (From Western Telegraph)

New bishop to be elected

9:36am Monday 1st September 2008 in

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The door of St Davids Cathedral will be locked today (Monday) as the 128th bishop of St Davids is elected.

A "college" of 46 people, including the four other Welsh diocesan bishops, could remain in the building for up to three days as they nominate and vote on candidates to replace the Rt Rev Carl Cooper, who retired from the position in May.

The former bishop stepped down following speculation that he was having a personal relationship with his chaplain, Mandy Williams-Potter, following the break up of both of their marriages.

Both denied any inappropriate relationship and Rev Cooper said he resigned "with a heavy heart".

He had served as bishop of the diocese from 2002.

Once today's decision is made, the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan,will unlock and open the west door of the cathedral and announce the name of the Bishop-Elect from the doorstep.

The new bishop will then have up to 28 days to accept the position.

Today's election will begin with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at the cathedral to which anyone is welcome.

The Electoral College will then meet in private and the cathedral will be locked.

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