Thomas K. Ray Explained

Type:Bishop
Honorific Prefix:The Right Reverend
Thomas Kreider Ray
Honorific Suffix:D.D.
Bishop of Northern Michigan
Diocese:Northern Michigan
Elected:February 6, 1982
Term:1982–1999
Retired:-->
Predecessor:William A. Dimmick
Successor:Jim Kelsey
Ordination:December 23, 1959
Ordained By:Francis Lickfield
Consecration:August 21, 1982
Consecrated By:John Allin
Birth Date:24 May 1934
Religion:Anglican
Children:4
Alma Mater:University of Michigan

Thomas Kreider "Tom" Ray (May 24, 1934 - February 6, 2018) was the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northern Michigan.

Early life and education

Ray was born on May 24, 1934, in Barberton, Ohio. He studied at the University of Michigan, where he met his future wife Brenda Lee Ackerman and who married in 1959. An also attended the General Theological Seminary, and graduated in 1959. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from the General Theological Seminary in 1984.[1]

Ordained ministry and bishop

Ray was ordained deacon on June 20, 1959, by Bishop Benjamin M. Washburn and priest on December 23, 1959, by Bishop Francis Lickfield. He served as canon at St Mark's Cathedral in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Crown Point, Indiana, and Gethsemane Church in Marion, Indiana.[2] In 1971 he became rector of St Luke's Church in Evanston, Illinois. Ray was elected Bishop of Northern Michigan on the second ballot on February 6, 1982, during a special diocesan convention. He was consecrated on August 21, 1982.[3] He was an advocate of women's rights, gay rights, and Mutual Ministry. He retired in 1999. Ray died on February 6, 2018, at the age of 83, three days after his wife's death.[4]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: In Memoriam: Bishop Tom Ray '59. The General Theological Seminary. 26 July 2019.
  2. Web site: Completing Life Together. 9 April 2018 . The Living Church. 12 November 2020.
  3. 7 March 1982. Northern Michigan Elects Bishop. The Living Church. 184. 6.
  4. Web site: Thomas K. Ray (1934-2018): Start Being the Church. 8 May 2018 . Greenroomblog. 12 November 2020.