On Tuesday, November 10, 2009 we will have the privilege of hosting the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori. Since we have folks who are new to the Episcopal Church, and some long-time members whose comments lead me to believe that not everyone is familiar with the office and role of Presiding Bishop, this article will inform you of who she is and what is her function in the Episcopal Church. This information is found on the Episcopal Church website.

Bishop Jefferts Schori was elected to this office in 2006, for a term lasting until November 2015. She has been vocal about the Episcopal Church’s mission priorities, including the UN Millennium Development Goals, issues of domestic poverty, climate change and care for the earth, as well as the ongoing need to contextualize the gospel.

Bishop Jefferts Schori’s career as an oceanographer preceded her studies for the priesthood, to which she was ordained in 1994. She served as Bishop of Nevada before election to this post.

Bishop Jefferts Schori grew up in the Seattle area, and lived a few years in New Jersey, but has spent most of her life in the West. Bishop Jefferts Schori and her husband, Richard Miles Schori, a retired mathematician (topologist), were married in 1979. They have one daughter, who is a captain (pilot) in the U.S. Air Force.

The Presiding Bishop is the Chief Pastor and Primate of the Episcopal Church.  The office evolved originally from a rule of the House of Bishops in 1789 making its presiding officer the senior member in terms of date of consecration.  As a result of increased duties, the office was incorporated into the Constitution of the Church in 1901 and styled Presiding Bishop of the Church.  In 1919 the office was made elective and invested with executive responsibility for all departments of the church’s work.