
The Episcopal Church
Welcomes You
Our Presiding Bishop
28th Presiding Bishop & Primate
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.

ORDINATION & CONSECRATION of Bishop-Elect Karin MacPhail
From the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia:
We are joyfully anticipating the Ordination and Consecration of Bishop-Elect Karin MacPhail on June 13, 2026 in Roanoke, Virginia.
Please watch this page for announcements and information about the Registration Process, events, gifts for Bishop-Elect Karin, and more updates from the Transitions Committee. We invite all to continue in prayer during this season of transition for our Diocese, Bishop-Elect Karin and her family, our staff & leaders, and one another during this exciting season of transition.
A little background:
THE NEW 7th BISHOP-ELECT OF THE DIOCESE OF SWVA
On January 31, after a yearlong search and selection process, The Reverend Karin MacPhail of St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church in Roanoke, Virginia was elected as the 7th Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Virginia. Learn more about The Rev. MacPhail and the journaey that brought her to us on the Diocesan website: Bishop-Elect Karin MacPhail.