Thomas K. Ray

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

The Right Reverend

Thomas Kreider Ray

D.D.
Bishop of Northern Michigan
ChurchEpiscopal Church
DioceseNorthern Michigan
ElectedFebruary 6, 1982
In office1982–1999
PredecessorWilliam A. Dimmick
SuccessorJim Kelsey
Orders
OrdinationDecember 23, 1959
by Francis Lickfield
ConsecrationAugust 21, 1982
by John Allin
Personal details
Born(1934-05-24)May 24, 1934
Barberton, Ohio, United States
DiedFebruary 6, 2018(2018-02-06) (aged 83)
Michigan, United States
NationalityAmerican
DenominationAnglican
Spouse
Brenda Lee Ackerman
​
(m. 1959)​
Children4
Alma materUniversity of 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]

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