Jeremiah David Williamson | |
|---|---|
| 10th Bishop of Albany | |
| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Albany |
| In office | 2024−present |
| Predecessor | William H. Love |
| Previous post(s) | Rector,Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado(2016-2023) Rector, St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Toledo Ohio(2009-2016) Curate, St. Johns Episcopal Church, Youngstown Ohio (2006-2009) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 17 April 2007 by Mark Hollingsworth |
| Consecration | 24 February 2024 by DeDe Duncan-Probe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 15th, 1980 (43 years old) |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | Connie and David Williamson |
| Spouse | Jennifer Williamson |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | Drew Theological School (MDiv)Greenville University (B.A.) |
Jeremiah David Williamson (born July 15, 1980)[citation needed] is an American prelate who has served as the 10th bishop of theEpiscopal Diocese of Albany since February 2024. He served as rector ofGrace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Colorado Springs, Colorado from 2016 to 2023, as rector of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, Toledo, Ohio from 2009 to 2016, and as curate of St. John's Episcopal Church, Youngstown, Ohio from 2006 to 2009. He was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Albany on September 9, 2023, and was consecrated on February 24, 2024.[1][2]
Williamson grew up in the easternOhio town ofDover and was raised by his parents, Connie and David Williamson. After growing up in theUnited Methodist Church in Dover, he converted toPentecostalism and was a worship leader.[3]
Williamson obtained a bachelor's degree from theFree Methodist Church-affiliatedGreenville University inGreenville, Illinois. He earned a Master of Divinity fromDrew University Theological School inMadison, New Jersey. Williamson has also received a diploma in Anglican Studies fromGeneral Theological Seminary and a certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University.[1][4][5]
On September 19, 2006, Williamson was ordained to the Sacred Order ofDeacons by BishopJohn Croneberger.[6][better source needed] He then served as acurate at St. Johns Episcopal Church inYoungstown, Ohio. There, he was tasked with campus ministry and urban missions. He was also named to the Board of Directors of the Mahoning Valley Association of Churches "Hands On" program. While he was serving as curate of St. Johns, he was ordained as apriest by BishopMark Hollingsworth on April 14, 2007.[6][better source needed] In April 2009, Williamson took the call to serve asRector of St. Andrews Episcopal Church inToledo, Ohio, where he led the integration of anon-denominational church into the parish worship space and was one of the regional deans of theEpiscopal Diocese of Ohio. In 2016, he took the call to serve as the Rector ofGrace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church inColorado Springs, Colorado. There, he led the parish through a remortgage process after the church had lost money due to an alleged theft of church funds.[7] His parish opened its doors to victims after theClub Q shooting and held a vigil in their memory.[8]
Williamson was elected Bishop of the Diocese of Albany on September 9, 2023, and was consecrated on February 24, 2024.[2] Williamson was elected on the fourth ballot. The lay order vote was 65-22, and the clergy vote was 56-54.[5]
Williamson's tenure was preceded by turmoil within the diocese over the issue of same-sex marriage. His predecessor,William H. Love, was convicted of disobedience by an ecclesial court and resigned as bishop due to his refusal to allow same-sex ceremonies. Williamson supports same-sex marriage and has personally performed same-sex weddings.[4][5]
Williamson is married to Jennifer Williamson, aUnited Methodist Church pastor. The Williamsons have two children.[5]
| Episcopal Church (USA) titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | 10th Bishop of Albany 2024 to present | Succeeded by Incumbent |