Bishop Lawrence Provenzano has appointed the Rt. Rev. R. William Franklin as an Assisting Bishop in the Diocese of Long Island beginning May 1.
“Bishop Bill Franklin is a wonderfully gifted bishop, whose experience and wisdom will add a great deal to the overall ministry of our diocese. I look forward to welcoming my esteemed friend and colleague to the staff of the diocese,” Provenzano said.
“As assisting bishop he will focus on the formation ministry of the Mercer School of Theology, Sunday parish visitations, and support for clergy and lay leaders. He will join Bishop Daniel Allotey and Bishop Johncy Itty in assisting roles, while Bishop Geralyn Wolf will continue to serve as the Assistant Bishop of Long Island.”
Franklin will retire in April as Bishop of Western New York. He and his wife, Carmela Vircillo Franklin, who is a scholar in medieval studies at Columbia University, have been married since 1971. They have two adult daughters.
Adapted from the Diocese of Long Island