Dean Elliott Wolfe (born May 31, 1956) is the rector of the historic St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City. Previously, he served as the ninth Bishop of Kansas between 2004 and 2017.

The Right Reverend

Dean E. Wolfe
Rector of St Bartholomew's Church
ChurchEpiscopal Church
Appointed2016
In office2017-present
PredecessorF. M. Stallings Jr.
Orders
Ordination1992
by William E. Swing
ConsecrationNovember 8, 2003
by D. Bruce MacPherson
Personal details
Born (1956-05-31) May 31, 1956 (age 67)
NationalityAmerican
DenominationAnglican
ParentsBill and Millie Wolfe
SpouseElle Frantz-Wolfe
Children1
Previous post(s)Bishop of Kansas (2004-2017)

Early life and education edit

Wolfe was born on May 31, 1956, in Dayton, Ohio, to Bill and Millie Wolfe. He was raised in the Church of the Brethren and by the age of 16 was licensed to preach in that church while, at the age of 21, he was given responsibility for a parish.[1] He studied at Miami University and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and religion in 1987, and then worked in sales and marketing. He joined the Episcopal Church when he was studying at Bethany Theological Seminary. Later, he enrolled at Virginia Theological Seminary from where he earned his Master of Divinity degree in 1992. The latter also awarded him a Doctor of Divinity in 2004.[2]

Ordained ministry edit

Wolfe was ordained deacon and priest in 1992 at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. He became assistant priest and then as associate rector of St. Clement's Church in Berkeley, California. In 1994, he became associate rector of Trinity Church in Boston, while in 1997 he became vice rector of the Church of St. Michael and All Angels in Dallas, Texas.[3]

Bishop of Kansas edit

On July 12, 2003, Wolfe was elected on the fifth ballot to serve as Coadjutor Bishop of Kansas. He was consecrated at Grace Cathedral on November 8, 2003, by the Bishop of Western Louisiana, D. Bruce MacPherson.[4] He succeeded as diocesan bishop on January 1, 2004. During his episcopacy he revised the campus ministry program, focused on a diocesan youth ministry, and established the Bishop Kemper School for Ministry. He also officiated the first authorized Episcopal same-sex marriage in the diocese. Wolfe retired on February 1, 2017.[5]

Rector of St. Bartholomew's edit

In 2016, Wolfe was elected as rector of St. Bartholomew's Church in New York City and accepted on November 13, 2016.[6] He commenced his ministry on February 5, 2017, and was formally installed as the 13th rector by the Bishop of New York, Andrew M. L. Dietsche, on June 9, 2017.[7]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ "Dallas Priest Elected in Kansas". The Living Church. 227: 6. August 3, 2003.
  2. ^ "MORE ABOUT DEAN WOLFE", St Barts. Retrieved on February 8, 2022.
  3. ^ "The Right Rev. Dean Wolfe", day1. Retrieved on February 8, 2022.
  4. ^ "Kansas bishop takes risks quickly". The Living Church. 227: 7. November 30, 2003.
  5. ^ "Previous Bishops of Kansas". Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. Retrieved February 8, 2022.
  6. ^ "Kansas Bishop Dean E. Wolfe announces call to become rector of St. Bart’s, New York City", Episcopal News Service, November 14, 2016. Retrieved on February 8, 2022.
  7. ^ "Dean Elliott Wolfe inducted rector of St. Bart’s in Manhattan", Episcopal News Service, June 26, 2017. Retrieved on February 8, 2022.