The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, was in Sewanee Jan. 26 and Jan. 27 where he delivered the sermon at two services, participated in a public panel discussion, and met with seminarians, undergraduates, faculty, and community members.
A recording of Presiding Bishop Rowe's sermon delivered during Holy Eucharist on Sunday, Jan. 26 can be viewed here.
A public panel discussion featuring Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, Chancellor Jacob Owensby, and Vice-Chancellor Rob Pearigen was held on Sunday, Jan. 26. The panel discussed the challenges and opportunities facing the Episcopal Church as well as the role of the University as an Episcopal institution. View the recording here.
About the Presiding Bishop
The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected presiding bishop and primate of the Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 for a nine-year term. In this role, he serves as the church’s chief pastor and CEO. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local ministry and mission.
He was ordained bishop of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 after serving as rector of St. John’s in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for seven years. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Diocese of Bethlehem, and from 2019 to 2024, he led a partnership between the dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York.
Rowe holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Grove City College, a master of divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University. He has served as a leader of many civic and church wide organizations and governance bodies, and as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops.
