Archbishop Beltran's Statement
On Seventh Bishop Being Named for Little Rock

The following statement was given by Archbishop Eusebius J. Beltran of Oklahoma City during the April 10 news conference to announce Bishop-elect Anthony Basil Taylor as the next bishop of Little Rock.

Yes, I am very pleased and happy to be here today but I am also very sad. I am pleased and honored because one of our priests of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City has been selected to become a bishop.

I am very saddened because his departure from the Archdiocese will be a tremendous loss to me and to the entire Church.

However, there is consolation in the fact that we, members of the Catholic Church, are united across territorial lines and countries.

So I could say without any hesitation that our loss in Oklahoma City is a gain for Little Rock. I am convinced that Bishop Taylor will be a good and holy bishop, a wonderful shepherd to the people of Arkansas.

I am convinced of that because as a priest he has been an outstanding and wonderful pastor.  A pastor is a shepherd.  A bishop is a shepherd and so it is with great joy that I present to you Bishop Anthony Taylor, the seventh bishop of Little Rock. Thank you and God bless you.

Statement released April 10, 2008