The Most Rev. Gerald James Ian Ernest January 23, 2016 James Ian Ernest was consecrated as 15th Bishop of Mauritius on June 24, 2001. He is the son of Archdeacon Gerald Ernest. He studied at Madras University India and graduated with a B.A. in Commerce in 1979. Subsequently he followed a 3-year full time course in Theology at St. Paul’s Theological College, Mauritius, followed by pastoral studies at Westhill College, University of Birmingham. He obtained a certificate in Communication and Geriatric Counseling in 1999-2000. He has, since 2005, served as a Procter Scholar of Episcopal Divinity School, Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was ordained priest in June 1985 at St. James Cathedral, Port Louis, Mauritius, and served successively from 1986-2001 as Rector of Christ Church, Mahebourg, St. Agnes Church, Rose Belle, and St. Clement’s Church, Curepipe. He was Missionary Priest to Reunion Island from 1997-2001. On January 24, 2006, Bishop Ernest was elected Archbishop of the Province of the Indian Ocean, and re-elected as archbishop on August 8, 2012. He served as Chairperson for the Council of Anglican Provinces in Africa, 2007-2012; received the G.O.S.K, the second highest distinction awarded by the Republic of Mauritius; was a member of the Design Group of the Lambeth Conference and Anglican Gathering for 2008 and was awarded the St. Augustine Cross; and was elected Secretary of the Global South Primates Steering Committee of the Anglican Communion in August 2012. Bishop Ian is married to Kamla and they have one son, Julian.
