Succeeding the former bishop of Dunedin Dr Steven Benford, Dr van Gend will serve the 360,000 people in Otago and Southland through the 30 Anglican parishes of the Dunedin diocese.
Saturday’s service was led by the presiding archbishops — the Most Rev Justin Duckworth, Sione Ulu’ilakepa and Don Tamihere, along with the Dean of St Paul’s the Very Rev Dr Tony Curtis. Family, friends and worshippers were joined by dozens of clergy and bishops from across the country for the installation.
Along with solemn prayers and liturgical moments, the service included many hymns, led by the Choir of St Paul’s Cathedral conducted by director of music Michael Grant and accompanied from the cathedral organ by Mark Patterson.
In the presentation of Dr van Gend, the archbishops spoke of the traditions of the church and the place of bishops within it — to equip God’s people for their work of ministry and "to build up the body of Christ".
"They are to be Christ’s shepherds in seeking out and caring for those in need. They are to heal and reconcile, uphold justice and strive for peace."
During the service, Dr van Gend received the symbols of her office — the crozier (pastoral staff), pectoral cross, cope and mitre, as meaningful gifts.
The crozier was made for her by the Little Brothers of Frances, of New South Wales, the pectoral cross was gifted by the seventh bishop of Dunedin Penny Jamieson, while the cope and mitre were designed by Anglican National Children and Families Ministry enabler Diana Langdon, of Nelson, and made by Rev Annette Cater, of Wellington.
In preparing for the role of 11th bishop of Dunedin, Dr van Gend has felt "absolutely filled to the brim with love and support".
She is looking forward to seeing the ways in which ministry will grow across the Dunedin diocese.
"I am so glad to be part of this diocese, having spent the past few years in a role where I have gotten to know people from across the community.
"I love this place and I loved the people."
Dr van Gend has been with the Dunedin diocese since 2021, first as community ministry enabler and more recently as diocesan ministry enabler.
Befor her ordination as a deacon in 1997 and to the priesthood in 1998, she worked as a music therapist and English and music teacher in Australia, Zambia and South Africa.
She has held church appointments in Australia and Auckland, and received her doctorate from Victoria University of Wellington in 2015.
She has been ordained for 28 years.
Dr van Gend is married to Michael van Gend and has two sons, six step-daughters and nine step-grandchildren in Australia.
