Even after more than a year of searching, the post-lunch hours spent casting votes felt long and tested the patience of a council delegation eager to find out who would be its next bishop.
That patience was rewarded at 3:34 p.m., when, at long last, Bishop Brian Seage returned to the dais after the third successful ballot and addressed the packed gymnasium of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School.
“Brothers and sisters, we have an election.”
The crowd went from hushed to jubilant, and any weariness from a long day of resolutions and other council business was swept away by the hopeful energy of a momentous decision made. After a spirited singing of the doxology, Seage offered a prayer for the discernment of all the candidates and announced with a smile the election of The Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells as the eleventh Bishop of Mississippi.
An even more boisterous cheer rose up as Wells’ face appeared on the giant screen to the right of the dais to join Council virtually from her (soon to be former) office in Memphis.
“Thank you, Bishop Seage,” she said. “Diocese of Mississippi, I am so humbled by the confidence that you have placed in me, and I am looking forward to being with you all, to growing in relationship with you all, to serving alongside you, and to walking alongside you in this tremendous journey with God. We are called to be lovers of one another and of our God, and together there is virtually nothing that we can’t accomplish. And so, my heart is full, I can’t wait to get to know you all, I cannot wait to see the work that God can bring us to doing together, and I look forward to growing with you in service and in relationship and in love. I just look forward to being with you, I can’t wait!”
Wells’ excitement was palpable as she seemed to veer between tears and laughter. Seage channeled the feelings of the room as he wished her well.
“God bless you and bless your family as you revel in this Holy Spirit moment.”
As Wells prepared to sign off of the zoom call, the assembled delegates treated her to a standing ovation before lining up to sign testimonials and make it official.
The moment brought to a close an exhaustive and often exhausting—bet well worthwhile—process and set in motion a transition that will take place over the coming months. Wells will begin work at the diocesan offices at the Allin House in Jackson on May 1. She and Seage will work together to ensure a smooth transition until July. Wells will be consecrated as bishop on Saturday, July 20 at St. Andrew’s School and seated as Bishop of Mississippi on Sunday, July 21 at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Jackson.
A look ahead
The March 2024 issue of TME will feature a more in-depth introduction to our new bishop-elect in both the online and print editions
