The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 for a nine-year term. In this role, he serves as the church’s chief pastor and CEO. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local ministry and mission.
He was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 after serving as rector of St. John’s in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for seven years. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and from 2019 to 2024, he led a partnership between the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York.
Rowe holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Grove City College, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University. He has served as a leader of many civic and churchwide organizations and governance bodies, and as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops.
Annual observance, often around the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Oct 4), where pets are blessed, typically outdoors on church grounds or parking lots.
Participants include parishioners' pets and those of other community members.
Background
Linked to the 13th-century tradition of Francis allegedly preaching to birds.
Francis is associated with spiritual harmony with nature; his teachings are cited for environmental stewardship and humane treatment of animals.
Similar animal-blessing traditions exist across religions and other saints.
Outreach
Seen as a way to draw new people to church amid declining attendance, especially post-COVID.
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