NJ Episcopal Diocese names first female bishop, who vows to focus on fighting racism
The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey will have a female bishop for the first time in its 238-year-history.
The Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French has been elected to serve as the 13th bishop of the diocese, succeeding Bishop William "Chip" Stokes, who is retiring after nearly 10 years of service.
The appointment means that for the first time, both of New Jersey's Episcopal dioceses, institutions representing more than 60,000 worshippers, will be helmed by women.
The Diocese of Newark, which covers churches in the northern third of the state, has been led since 2018 by Bishop Carlye Hughes, the first woman and first African American to hold that role.
The Episcopal Diocese of New Jersey, based in Trenton, covers the southern part of the state and has nearly 35,000 baptized members in over 135 congregations. French, who will be installed on June 24, was selected from among five candidates during a Jan. 28 convention of clergy and lay leaders, the diocese announced.
In an interview, French, who currently serves in North Carolina, emphasized her commitment to "working to end racism and white supremacy."
"The Diocese of New Jersey has a long history of commitment to racial justice, including the development of education offerings that assist members to learn about the history and impact of systemic racism and bias," she told NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network New Jersey. "Through this work, participants are empowered to confront injustice and respond in faith. This is the work of the Gospel."
Nationally, membership in the Episcopal Church peaked in 1959 with 3.44 million members. But the church has been shrinking since, and now has about 1.7 million members.
The diocese said the public is invited to French's installation, to be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Trenton. The event will also be livestreamed.
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French, who spent 20 years in church ministry, currently serves as the canon for regional ministry and collaborative innovation in the Diocese of North Carolina, a position in which she provides support to churches and works with clergy to strengthen their congregations.
French grew up in a secular home in Toronto and was baptized, confirmed and sponsored for ordination through campus ministries at the University of Toronto, where she graduated from college with a degree in economics and history, according to the New Jersey diocese. She earned a master's degree in divinity from Toronto's School of Theology before she was ordained a deacon and priest in 2000 and 2001, respectively. She earned a doctorate of ministry from Virginia Theological Seminary.
"There are so many places in our world today where discrimination and oppression harm those who are most vulnerable," French said in the interview. "Church communities can be different. We love and serve others because we are called to Gospel justice, to feed the hungry, stand with the oppressed, and comfort those in need."
Stokes, who is moving with his wife to Saint Augustine, Florida, is credited with an array of accomplishments, including the creation of the diocese's Reparations Commission, and nurturing Latino ministries, the fastest growing segment of the Episcopal Church, and the formation of Episcopal Community Services of New Jersey, a nonprofit focusing on providing food and shelter and working against social injustice.
Deena Yellin covers religion for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to her work covering how the spiritual intersects with our daily lives, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: yellin@northjersey.com
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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Episcopal Diocese bishop selection appoints Sally French
