From a Press Release
Steadily Orlando, the City Beautiful, continues to bustle with activity, growth, and development. The region houses landmark anchors such as the University of Central Florida, Walt Disney World, Camping World Stadium, and Dr. Phillips Performing Arts Center. Yet, beneath the surface, but
ever so visible to those who are discerning, is a thick thread of faith woven into the fabric of Orlando’s presentations and accomplishments; undergirded by a robust community of faith-based
and support service organizations.
Our entire region can bask in pride that one of its own, Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins, Senior Pastor, of The Hope Church, a Jones High School graduate, developer, musician, pharmacist, husband, and father is being elevated to the office of Presiding Bishop of the International Bishops’
Conference, Inc. (+I+B+C+). Bishop Wiggins, selected as the successor to Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Jr., accepted the mantle of leadership of The International Bishops’ Conference, Inc., Tuesday, December 12, 2017, at 7:00 p.m., at The Hope Church of Orlando, 3032 Monte Carlo Trail,
Orlando, Florida 32805.
Bishop Wiggins will become the leader and an official representative of the +I+B+C+, overseeing the North American Jurisdiction, which is inclusive of the United States of America, England and South Africa. The +I+B+C+ is an interdenominational sanctioning body, devoted to selecting and
training worthy individuals to the episcopacy; conferring upon those persons duly elected and confirmed, Apostolic succession which traces its lineage back to the Apostle Peter.
Archbishop Rainer Laufers D.D., of The Old Holy Catholic Church based in Canada, says, “The quest for a wider unity between the various Christian denominations is one of the most positive and exciting new facets in contemporary Church history.” The current leader and Presiding
Prelate of the +I+B+C+, Archbishop LeRoy Bailey, Jr. feels confident, that Bishop Wiggins will progressively and effectively expand the breadth of the organization, and provide innovative paths to ensure the spread of the Gospel for generations to come.
As new the Presiding Bishop and Archbishop of the +I+B+C+, Bishop Allen T.D. Wiggins, will take on additional responsibilities, however, he will remain the Senior Pastor of The Hope Church of Orlando. “To whom much is given, much is required,” Bishop Wiggins opined.
A culture of steadfast, persevering and consistent stewardship of ministry at The Hope Church assures Bishop Wiggins that his team will rise to muster, continuing God’s work wherever called. Bishop Wiggins states, “we are fortunate that The Hope Church’s leadership team is poised and ready for an expanded charge. I’m so very proud of our Elders, Ministers, Deacons, Deaconess, committed staff, and our recently hired Executive Pastor. Collectively, we are prepared for this new season of service.”
Bishop Wiggins, when asked about his plans for Hope Center West, the area where his development activity has been so transformative, said, “we are planning for the development ofThe Hope Cathedral Cultural Arts and Worship Center. This will be the home and executive offices of The Hope Church of Orlando and the North American home office of the International Bishops’ Conference, where we will coordinate and host conferences, workshops, consecrations, and credentialing activities, both locally and abroad.”
All of Orlando can stand together and embrace the celebration of this ascension, as it amplifies the element of faith within the “The City
