Katharine Jefferts Schori, born on March 26, 1954, is an American Episcopal bishop, theologian, and former primate. She is best known for her role as the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church from 2006 to 2015, becoming the first woman to hold this position in the denomination's history. As a prominent figure in the Anglican Communion, her tenure was marked by her progressive stance on social issues and her commitment to inclusivity within the church.
Jefferts Schori earned a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Stanford University before pursuing a Master's and Ph.D. in Oceanography, eventually working as an oceanographer for the National Marine Fisheries Service. However, she felt a religious calling and pursued theological studies, obtaining a Master's of Divinity degree from Church Divinity School of the Pacific in 1994. She was ordained as a priest in 1994 and served in various ministry positions before being elected as the bishop of the Diocese of Nevada in 2001.
Known for her theological expertise and dedication to ecological concerns, Jefferts Schori emphasizes the interconnectedness of all creation and advocates for the church's role in addressing environmental issues. During her time as Presiding Bishop, she worked towards bridging theological and social divisions within the Anglican Communion while promoting justice, compassion, and inclusivity in the church's approach to controversial topics such as gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, and marriage equality.
Jefferts Schori's tenure as Presiding Bishop revolutionized the Episcopal Church, earning her acclaim as a trailblazing leader, theologian, and advocate for change.
