Michael G. Smith Explained

Honorific-Prefix:The Right Reverend
Michael Gene Smith
Bishop of North Dakota
Church:Episcopal Church
Diocese:North Dakota
Elected:February 7, 2004
Term:2004–2019
Predecessor:Andrew Fairfield
Successor:Keith Whitmore
Consecration:May 8, 2004
Consecrated By:Frank Griswold
Birth Name:Michael Gene Smith
Birth Date:5 September 1955
Birth Place:Purcell, Oklahoma, US
Tomb:-->
Spouse:Lisa White Smith
Children:3
Alma Mater:Oklahoma State University
Marymount College
University of Oklahoma
Seabury-Western Theological Seminary

Michael Gene Smith (born September 5, 1955) is an American prelate, who was the eleventh Bishop of North Dakota between 2004 and 2019. He was consecrated on May 8, 2004.

Early life and education

Smith is an enrolled member of the Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma.[1] He is chair of the Bishops’ Native Collaborative and Chair of the Communion Partner Bishops Advisory Committee.[2]

Smith holds degrees in Psychology, Music, Social Work, and Theology from Oklahoma State University, Marymount College of Kansas, the University of Oklahoma and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary. He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in preaching through Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri.

Prior to becoming bishop of North Dakota, Smith served at Episcopal churches Oklahoma and Minnesota.[2]

Considered a theological conservative, Smith was one of the few Episcopalian American bishops to oppose same-sex marriages. After the General Convention of the Episcopal Church approved rites of marriage for LGBTQ couples in 2015, Smith said that he could not "in good conscience" allow same-sex marriages in his diocese.[3]

Personal life

Smith is married to the Rev. Lisa White Smith, also an Episcopal priest. The couple have three grown children and eight grandchildren.[2]

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Bishops of North Dakota – Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota. www.ndepiscopal.org. 2016-03-28.
  2. Web site: The Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith, D.Min.. bishopsnativecollaborative.com/. January 10, 2021.
  3. Web site: Head of ND Episcopal Church says he cannot "in good conscience" allow gay marriages. Adrian. Glass-Moore. The Bismarck Tribune. July 23, 2015. January 10, 2021.