THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE PHILIPPINES

Preaching in the occasion is the Most Rev. Donald Steven Tamihere, Archbishop of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia. Archbishop Tamihere was accompanied by Ven Michael Tamihere, Ven Hirini Kaa, and Mr. Simon Heath.

At the center with maroon dress is the ambassador of New Zealand, Dr Catherine with husband Rev Paul Mcintosh from the Anglican Church. From the right side Deacon Daniel Woods, Prime Bishop-Elect Bishop Nestor Poltic, Deacon Gay Manodon, Ven Michael Tamihere, Archbishop Don Tamihere. (Photo credit: Rev. Dr Gay Manodon)

James Boliget, 54 yrs old, is from the town of Besao, Mt. Province, where he was born in 1970, on April 25. Raised in the Christian faith, he took his first steps through baptism on January 31, 1971, and he reaffirmed his faith in 1985, on August 11. James found his soulmate in Marceline Lopsoten, a medical technologist. Together, they built a family with their two children: Wriston Jeff, a registered civil engineer, and Myra Joy, a college student at Trinity University of Asia.

Education and learning have always been important to James. He started at Besao Elementary School and later went to St. James’ High School. After graduating, he pursued a Bachelor in Secondary Education at the University of Baguio. Yet, feeling a deeper calling to the church, James then entered St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary, where he earned both a Bachelor in Theology in 1993 and a Master in Divinity in 2020.

His passion for helping others led him to the College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CPSP-Phil), where he became a certified Pastoral Counselor and Clinical Chaplain in 2019. He continues to expand his knowledge by attending various seminars and workshops from 2018 to 2020, from risk management and financial literacy to understanding the Bible in new ways and navigating the complexities of migration. James is currently pursuing a Diploma in Clinical Pastoral Education from CPSP-Phil, further deepening his skills in supporting others through difficult times. He also recently completed a certificate program on Contextual Theology at the Asian Theological Academy in 2022.

As for his journey in ministry, it started soon after finishing his theological studies. In 1993, he joined Fairview Episcopal Resurrection Church as a graduate intern, learning the ropes from experienced leaders. After a year, he became a Deacon-in-Residence, guiding the community and growing in his faith. In 1997, James took on the responsibility of leading two different parishes simultaneously: St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in San Isidro and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Jose City. This dual role demonstrated his dedication and ability to inspire the faithful, and that was from 1997 to 2008. As his experience deepened, James’s responsibilities grew. He became Priest-in-Charge of several mission locations, laying the foundation for new churches and nurturing communities from their early stages. He served in parishes like Batong Lusong Mission, in San Jose Nueva Ecija, Labrador Mission (later becoming the Church of the Holy Carpenter) located at Rizal Nueva Ecija, and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija.

In 2008, James’s leadership skills were recognized, and he was appointed Dean and Rector of the prestigious Episcopal Cathedral of St. Mary and St. John in Quezon City. He held this position from July 2008 to July 2023, nine long years of guiding the cathedral through a period of growth and renewal. Also, throughout his ministry, James has actively contributed to the wider church community. He has served on numerous diocesan committees, focusing on areas like evangelism, social concern, liturgics, constitution and canons, finance, stewardship, and ecumenical relations, he also served as a member of the Standing Committee and the Commission on Ministry for years. His dedication to collaboration and shared responsibility has earned him respect and admiration from colleagues. On the national level, James currently serves as the Chairperson of the Board of Examining Chaplains, he joined the board in 2015, ensuring the high standards of clergy within the church. He has also held positions on the Executive Council and the Board of Trustees of St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary, shaping the education of future church leaders. And served as a president of St. Andrew’s Theological Seminary Alumni Association. James Boliget’s unwavering commitment to his faith, his passion for leading and nurturing communities, and his willingness to serve in diverse roles have made him a pillar of the Episcopal Church in the Philippines. His journey continues to inspire others to walk the path of ministry with dedication and compassion.

(Biography taken from the Liturgy for Ordination and Consecration of The Rt. Rev. James Boliget)