Dorothy Sanders Wells: A Trailblazing Bishop for Mississippi's Episcopal Diocese
@ReadWhatRickWrote 
On Saturday, history will be made as the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi formally installs its first Black, female bishop. The Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells, an Alabama native, has been leading the diocese since May following her election in February.
Rev. Wells, originally from Mobile, Alabama, is set to be ordained and consecrated by the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. She takes over from Bishop Brian Seage, who was elected in 2014 and served following his predecessor's retirement in 2015.
The Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi encompasses around 17,600 members across 87 congregations. Rev. Wells brings a diverse background to her new role, having studied vocal performance at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, before earning a law degree from the University of Memphis. After practicing law for 18 years, she transitioned to ministry, obtaining a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and a Doctor of Ministry from Emory University.
Despite the historical significance of her appointment, Rev. Wells remains focused on her mission rather than her groundbreaking status. Her previous role as rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church in Germantown, Tennessee, and chaplain of the church’s preschool, where she served since 2013, has prepared her well for her new responsibilities.
In an interview with the Clarion Ledger, Rev. Wells emphasized the importance of revitalizing the diocese’s rural congregations. "It is a priority to re-energize and get people excited again about all of the ministry opportunities that we have," she said.
As the Mississippi Diocese embarks on this new chapter, Rev. Wells's leadership is set to inspire and invigorate its members, bridging tradition with progressive change.
