New Episcopal bishop ordained

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (AP) -- Episcopal Church leaders say the newly ordained bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island is helping to bring the church into the 21st century with the use of social media.

W. Nicholas Knisely Jr. was ordained as the diocese's 13th bishop Saturday. The Providence Journal reports ( http://bit.ly/DfeZ7 ) that more than 2,000 people attended the 2 1/2-hour service at St. George's School in Middletown.

Arizona Bishop Kirk Smith made an unusual request of the crowd, asking everyone to turn on their cell phones. He said the church needs to tap into the communication methods of young people -- texts, Facebook and Twitter -- in order to grow.

Knisely is one of only six Episcopal bishops in the country who use Twitter.

He previously was dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Phoenix.
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Information from: The Providence Journal, http://www.providencejournal.com