Bishop 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.