For the past 18 years, I have been visioning, leading, and loving the Episcopal church at the parish, diocesan, and national levels. Creative vision, change management, collaboration, teaching of spiritual practices, and exploring ways for congregations to thrive are some of my primary gifts. I have led multiple organizations, faith communities, and teams through transformations as the Holy Spirit inspired us. My call is to shape the Church so that God’s people are equipped to live lives of faith and share the love and justice of Christ’s “Kin-dom”. 

As the president of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of Chicago since 2019, I have served as the head of the ecclesiastical authority for two years while we have been in an interim period between diocesan bishops. This period of time has included all regular diocesan operations (including working with parishes in challenge or distress, pastoral support to clergy, and anti-racism work), as well as leading the diocese through a complicated and extended bishop transition during the COVID pandemic.

I have been the Rector of St. Gregory’s in Deerfield, IL, for six years.  StGs is an exuberant, intergenerational congregation passionate about sharing joy and hope, feeding people, and building community. In 2021, I initiated a partnership with three other nearby Episcopal congregations, which we call “Better Together.” Our innovative partnership is learning together as we expand our understanding of congregation and community. We collaborate in Holy Week liturgies, regularly share pulpits and pastoral care, jointly host Afghan refugees, and are creating new models for intergenerational formation and leadership development.

I am a College for Congregational Development trainer, a certified Intercultural Development Inventory Administrator, and a Congregational Consultant in the Diocese of Chicago. These opportunities have equipped me to consider who is and is not in the room, move through change, and contribute to a more vibrant Church in the future. Additionally, I have led vestry and leadership retreats across the country, served on the board of the Episcopal Parish Network for six years, and served on the World Missions Board for the Diocese of Texas. 

Prior to receiving the call from StGs, I served at Good Shepherd in Austin, TX, St. Paul’s in Chattanooga, TN, and Christ Church in Greenville, SC. Ministry areas under my leadership included: Children and Families, Communications, Hospitality, Welcoming, New Member, Giving, Food, and Equipping Ministries.

My previous corporate experience was in software and technology sales and recruiting. My husband David and I have been married for 30 years. We have three young adult daughters who continue to amaze and inspire us. I’m an extroverted contemplative whose spirituality is heavily influenced by St. Benedict, who teaches about stability of faith in uncertain times. Silence and solitude are vital to my spiritual life, and I sit in silent prayer daily and take regular spiritual retreats to slow the velocity of my soul.  

When not in silence, I see and hear Jesus best through conversations with other people. Sharing coffee and chocolate are two of my favorite ways to make those connections. I am outdoors whenever possible, and enjoy swimming, hiking, yoga, reading, knitting, and good meals with friends.

The Rt. Rev. Anne B. Jolly was ordained and consecrated Bishop Coadjutor of the Diocese of Ohio on Saturday, April 29 at The Public Auditorium and Conference Center in Cleveland. Jolly has worked alongside the Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, Jr., eleventh Bishop of the Diocese of Ohio, until his retirement in 2023. Hollingsworth has led the diocese since April of 2004. Jolly is  the first woman to serve as Ohio’s diocesan bishop.

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