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SALT LAKE CITY -- Hundreds of members of Utah's Episcopal Diocese celebrated the ordination of their new bishop Saturday.
The Rev. Canon Scott B. Hayashi now presides as the 11th bishop of this Episcopal Diocese. He last served in Chicago, but he is not new to Utah.
Bishops from around the country participated in the ordination and consecration at the Grand America Ballroom in Salt Lake City. The service began with a procession of banners, bishops from around the country, Native Americans and clergy from multiple faiths.
I feel a burden of the responsibility but with the prayers of the people of this diocese, I hope to fulfill the task in front of me.
–Rev. Canon Scott B. Hayashi
Bishop Hayashi was elected to the position in May -- one of 48 candidates from around the country. He becomes Utah's 11th Episcopal bishop. Retiring Bishop Carolyn Tanner Irish relinquished her position by handing him the bishop's staff.
This was a day of great joy for him and his family. I spoke with them after his consecration.
"Very humble and grateful to all," he said. "I feel a burden of the responsibility; but with the prayers of the people of this diocese, I hope to fulfill the task in front of me."
Amy Perlman O'Donnell, Bishop Hayashi's wife, said she was happy to be back in Utah.
"It's very emotional to be back in Utah because there are so many wonderful people that I was so sad to leave when we left twelve years ago," she said. "I can't describe what it's like to be back. It's just amazing to see all these old friends."
From 1989 to 1998, Bishop Hayashi was the rector of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Ogden. The family is very happy about returning.
He'll preside over the entire state, as well as the town of Page, Ariz.
Bishop Hayashi attended Harvard Divinity School and the University of Washington. He has been married for 29 years and has three daughters.
Utah has about 5,200 Episcopalians.
E-mail: cmikita@ksl.com
