The Diocese of Northern Indiana has elected the Rev. Douglas E. Sparks as its eighth bishop. Sparks, a former Roman Catholic priest received into the Episcopal Church in 1989, has served as rector of St. Luke’s Church in Rochester, Minnesota, since 2004.
“A bishop serves the wider church, which includes nurturing our full communion, ecumenical and interfaith partners,” Sparks wrote for a profile [PDF] distributed by the diocese. “I have a devotion to and passion for our polity and have served as a Deputy to General Convention from Milwaukee and Minnesota. A bishop is also called to ministry in the Anglican Communion. I’ve served in the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia as Dean of the Cathedral in Wellington and have a heart for the unity of the communion.”
Pending approval of his election by a majority of bishops and standing committees, Sparks will succeed the Rt. Rev. Edward S. Little II, who has served as bishop since March 2000. Bishop Little intends to retire June 30.
An ordination and consecration service is scheduled for June 25 at Trinity English Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
