Rev. Sarah Fisher has been installed as the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina in North Carolina, becoming the first woman in a same-sex relationship to serve as a diocesan bishop in the southern United States. Fisher, who is partnered with the Rev. Mandy Brady, was installed on Saturday. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe served as chief consecrator, and Bishop Robert Wright of Atlanta preached at the service. A spokesperson for The Episcopal Church noted that, to their knowledge, she is the first openly lesbian bishop to lead a diocese based in the South.
Fisher, 54, was elected last November on the third ballot, receiving strong support with 36 clergy votes and 70 lay votes. She previously served as rector of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia, and succeeds Bishop Rob Skirving, who retired after 11 years. Ordained in 2005 in the Diocese of Atlanta, she holds a Bachelor of Arts from Agnes Scott College and a Master of Divinity from The General Theological Seminary. The other nominees were the Rev. Brian Cannaday of Texas and the Rev. Caleb Lee of Wilmington, North Carolina, who withdrew after the second ballot.
In describing her approach to ministry, Fisher highlighted serving a politically diverse (“purple”) congregation united by faith. She emphasized the importance of “getting proximate” to those who differ from us, noting that it is easier to hate stereotypes than to reject the inherent dignity and light of Christ in people we come to know personally.
Fisher’s election continues a trajectory begun in 2003 when the Rev. Gene Robinson became the first openly gay bishop in The Episcopal Church as leader of the Diocese of New Hampshire. That milestone triggered significant controversy, prompting many theologically conservative congregations to depart the denomination. The departures, along with related property disputes, contributed to a long-term decline in membership—from approximately 2.1 million in 2006 to about 1.54 million by 2023.
DETAILS:
The Rev. Sarah K. Fisher is the ninth and first female bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. She was elected on November 15, 2025, and officially consecrated and installed on May 23, 2026, in New Bern, North Carolina.
- Historic Milestone: Fisher is the first openly lesbian bishop of an Episcopal diocese based in the Southern United States and is married to the Rev. Mandy Brady.
- Background: Prior to her election, she served as rector of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia. She is 54 years old and was ordained to the priesthood in 2005.
- Diocese Leadership: She succeeds Bishop Rob Skirving, leading a diocese that spans from I-95 to the North Carolina coast, comprising 67 parishes and two college campus ministries.
- Consecration Details: Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe served as the chief consecrator, with Bishop Robert Wright of Atlanta preaching at the ceremony.
