Adapted from the Office of Public Affairs
The Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, Bishop of Eastern Michigan since 2007, will become the next Bishop for Pastoral Development on July 5. Ousley will resign his jurisdiction in Michigan on June 30, and the diocese has established a transition page. He will be based in Michigan.
He succeeds the Rt. Rev. F. Clayton Matthews, who is retiring.
Ousley was elected bishop coadjutor and consecrated in September 2006. Before then he had served for five years as canon to the ordinary.
“Bishop Ousley is an experienced bishop with a depth of pastoral and leadership skills,” said Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, who appointed Ousley. “I am very thankful to him for his willingness to assume this particular ministry, which is vital to the spiritual life and vitality of our bishops and, through them, the Episcopal Church. I have known and worked with him for several years and, like my brothers and sisters in the community of bishops and spouses, Bishop Ousley has my deep respect, affection, and trust.”
A committee led by the Rt. Rev. James Waggoner, retired Bishop of Spokane, interviewed and recommended finalists. Bishop Curry and committee members then conducted further interviews with the finalists.
Ousley holds a DMin in congregational development from Seabury-Western Theological Seminary; an MDiv from the Episcopal Theological Seminary of the Southwest; a master’s degree in educational psychology from Texas A&M University; and a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Baylor University.
The duties of the Bishop for Pastoral Development include:
- Provide confidential non-judgmental listening, counsel, guidance, direction and support in crisis and disaster intervention: bereavement counseling, as well as conflict resolution.
- Participate with the Planning Committee for the House of Bishops gatherings and meetings in an ex officio capacity.
- Oversee pastoral functions such as pastoral guidance and training under Title III of the church’s canons.
- Oversee Title IV matters, focusing on pastoral and coordinator roles and ensuring that inquiries proceed in an appropriate and timely manner.
- Provide oversight of bishop elections, which includes providing materials and support.
