Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells Installed as First Woman and First Black Bishop of Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi

Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells made history on Saturday as she was formally installed as the first woman and first Black person to hold the post of bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. The ceremony, presided over by the Most Rev. Michael Curry, took place at St. Andrew’s Episcopal School campus in Ridgeland, Miss.

Wells, a native of Mobile, Alabama, has a diverse background, having studied vocal performance at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and earned a law degree from the University of Memphis. After practicing law for 18 years, she transitioned to becoming a priest, earning a master of divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary and a doctor of ministry degree from Emory University.

In an interview with the Clarion Ledger, Wells expressed that she does not focus on being the first woman and first Black person to hold this position, but rather on the ministry opportunities and ways to help small, rural congregations serve their communities. She emphasized the importance of faith in everyday interactions and the need to show radical love and hospitality beyond Sunday mornings.

With a diocese of about 17,600 members in 87 congregations, Wells is stepping into a leadership role that carries great responsibility and opportunity for growth and change. As she takes on this new role, she is focused on re-energizing the community and getting people excited about the ministry opportunities available to them.

Wells’ installation marks a significant moment in the history of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi, and her leadership is sure to bring about positive change and a renewed sense of purpose to the congregations she serves.