On Sept. 30, Ritonia was ordained and consecrated The Episcopal Church’s bishop suffragan for armed forces and federal ministries. The bishop suffragan is a member of the presiding bishop’s staff and is elected by the House of Bishops. Her charge is to recruit, counsel, and advocate for the more than 100 Episcopal chaplains who serve in the military, veterans’ hospitals, and federal prisons. Her consecration, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C., brought together bishops, chaplains, family, and friends to witness the spiritual laying on of hands.

What does a bishop suffragan do for armed forces ministries? In addition to representing The Episcopal Church to the Department of Defense, the bishop certifies that clergy are qualified and in good standing with The Episcopal Church to serve as chaplains within the armed services.

Go Deeper
Marine Corps veteran ready for ‘best job in the church’ as bishop overseeing military chaplains
Armed Forces and Federal Ministries
Watch this video about the chaplains of The Episcopal Church

Doing this work:
Watch the consecration of the Rt. Rev. Ann Ritonia

Read full November 2023 edition of “The Church in Action”