Feline Consecration Held

Staff Reporter - Episcopal News Wire Service

(ENWS) On Ember Friday, February 18, 2005, in the Church of the Ascension, Hayward, Wisconsin, the Rt. Rev’d Hildegaard-Marie von Rothschild Westchester de Haviland Gardner was ordained and consecrated a bishop in the Church of God for Feline Forces world-wide. A large crowd thronged the parish church where the Bishop has ministered for the last six years and heard the Rev’d Trixie Jingle Jangle preach a spirited sermon on Christian conscience in the face of opposition to animal rights for many years. “We’re not going to take it anymore,” she concluded.

Although a close friend to the new bishop, the human bishop of Eau Claire, reportedly Bishop Hildegard’s godfather, was not present. He did send greetings.

Co-consecrators assisting the Most Rev’d Daphne Hurl-butt, Primate of All Primatoria, chief consecrator, were flown in from around the globe. Security was tight but was quite low key. It is expected that the Bishop’s duties will cement relationships across a number of species, split since the Fall, and the human family as well. This courageous cat-bishop already has vast experience in ministry and has been a favourite hostess in the Hayward church and rectory since 1999. She has the ear of many human bishops and hopes that as other species are duly and rightly acknowledged as legitimate candidates for all ministries of the church at every level that more ordinations will occur and cross-species dialogue will continue. Bishop Gardner will confirm her first class of fellow felines on the Feast of St. Matthias at the local humane society shelter. In lieu of monetary offerings, companion animal supplies and food will be accepted.