The Episcopal Church Center in New York today announced its receipt of the required majority of denomination-wide consents to the Nov. 8, 2025, election of the Rev. Dr. Antonio J. Gallardo L. as bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles.
The announcement from The Episcopal Church’s Office of Public Affairs reads in full: “The standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction have given the required majority of consents to the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles for its Nov. 8 election of the Rev. Antonio José Gallardo Lucena as bishop. His consecration and ordination service is scheduled for July 11.
“In giving consent to Gallardo’s ordination and consecration as bishop, standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction in The Episcopal Church attest to knowing of ‘no impediment on account of which’ Gallardo ought not be ordained as bishop, and that his election was conducted in accordance with the canons. The consent process is detailed in Canon III.11.3.
“Gallardo is the rector of St. Luke’s / San Lucas Church in Long Beach, California. Read news coverage about his election.”
Following today’s announcement, Gallardo L. said: “The consent granted by the standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction in The Episcopal Church is another milestone in the transition journey that we all started last November.
“I continue to be mindful that this transition is not only touching me personally; it is also touching the good people of St. Luke’s / San Lucas, the clergy and staff of our diocese, our community partners and all the congregants who have called our congregations their spiritual home.
“As we look forward to my consecration in July, I invite all of us to take a pause and breathe, as inspired by Cole Arthur Riley:
‘Inhale: To love and to be loved.
Exhale: My purpose remains.
‘Inhale: I don’t know what the path ahead holds.
Exhale: But I am led into God’s goodness.
‘Inhale: I listen for the Divine.
Exhale: My soul whispers back.'”
Los Angeles Bishop Diocesan John Harvey Taylor, whom Gallardo L. will succeed, added his appreciation. “It’s a blessing indeed that the call of the people of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles has been affirmed by the whole Episcopal Church,” Taylor told The News. “Congratulations, Bishop-elect Antonio. We look forward to welcoming you to St. Paul’s Commons in May and to your ordination and consecration service on July 11. In the meantime, continued blessings to you and the people of St. Luke’s / San Lucas in Long Beach during this time of transition.”
“On behalf of the Standing Committee, I am delighted by the good news that the consents have come through for Bishop-elect Antonio,” the Rev. Dr. Kate Cress, Standing Committee president who is rector of St. James’ Church in Los Angeles, told The News. “Now we look forward to a season of celebration, lifting up the achievements of Bishop John Harvey Taylor and anticipating the consecration of our new bishop-elect. We are truly blessed.”
Gallardo L. will be consecrated and ordained as diocesan bishop on July 11 in rites at All Saints Church in Pasadena with Taylor remaining in an assisting-bishop capacity until his retirement in November.
The Standing Committee will soon announce the appointment of a new committee to coordinate the consecration liturgy and arrangements, working alongside the existing Transitions Committee charged with hospitality, including invitations and welcoming participants to the July celebration.