The Thirteenth Bishop of Chicago

Just a few minutes ago, the Reverend Canon Paula Clark was elected as the XIII bishop of our diocese, to succeed Bishop Lee who retires at the end of this month.

Paula will be coming to us from the Diocese of Washington (D.C.), in which she has exercised all her priestly ministry thus far.  It became clear in walk about conversations that our bishop-elect is a proven and creative leader, and person of prayer rooted in a powerful sense of God's presence at work among us in and through the church.  She has served in parishes, and currently holds a senior position on the bishop’s staff as Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff. Even these very few facts should serve to demonstrate how ideally placed she is to assume the leadership of this diocese, and you can learn much more about her here. 

Personally, I am delighted by the result of this election, and feel very excited for all that lies ahead for the diocese in the coming months and years. With her years of ministry in the Diocese of Washington, Bishop-elect Clark is no stranger to the National Cathedral, and it will be a joy and privilege to welcome her to what will now be her own cathedral church of St James. 

 

We do not yet know when our bishop-elect will arrive in Chicago to begin her ministry, but her ordination as a bishop is scheduled for April 24, 2021. For now, please join me in holding Paula in your prayers as she prepares for this major transition.