The Great Lakes Episcopal Merger: 5 Key Facts About The New Diocese And The Search For Its First Bishop

The Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes represents one of the most significant and recent structural shifts within The Episcopal Church, having been officially formed in 2024. This new entity is the result of a historic juncture between the former Dioceses of Eastern Michigan and Western Michigan, a canonical process that has created a unified, mission-focused body covering a vast and vital region of the state. The transition is not merely administrative; it is a collaborative effort aimed at fostering renewed spiritual growth and building vibrant, inclusive worshiping communities across Michigan.

As of late 2025, the diocese is in a critical transitional phase, actively engaged in the search for its first permanent bishop, a process that officially began in June 2025. This search, alongside the planning for its second annual convention in Saginaw, marks a period of intense discernment and excitement. The new diocese is poised to redefine its ministry, leveraging the combined resources and history of its two legacy predecessors to advance the mission of Christ in the Great Lakes region.

The Historic Juncture: Merging Eastern and Western Michigan

The formation of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes is a landmark event, officially approved by a special convention of lay and clergy delegates on March 16, 2024. This vote affirmed the canonical process to merge the legacy Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan and the legacy Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan.

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This merger reflects a growing trend within The Episcopal Church toward greater collaboration and efficiency among dioceses, particularly in regions facing changing demographics and financial pressures. The decision was a culmination of years of partnership and evaluation between the two former dioceses, ultimately leading to the creation of a single, stronger entity.

• Legacy Dioceses: The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan and The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan.
• Formation Date: Officially formed in 2024.
• Canonical Process: The merger was affirmed by a vote of lay and clergy delegates in March 2024.
• Geographical Area: The new diocese covers the western and northern two-thirds of the eastern portions of Michigan, specifically excluding the area surrounding Detroit (which remains the Diocese of Michigan).
• Scope: The unified diocese is composed of 98 parishes and seasonal chapels.

The transition has been guided by a spirit of unity, focusing on how the combined resources can better serve the diverse communities along the Great Lakes. The goal is not simply to consolidate, but to enable and invite creative collaboration among congregations through new "Mission Regions."

The Critical Search for the First Bishop

Perhaps the most compelling and current development within the new diocese is the search for its first permanent bishop. The official process, known as the "Search & Call," for the I Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes began on June 3, 2025, with an announcement from Standing Committee President, the Rev. Molly Bosscher.

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This is a pivotal moment, as the selected individual will be tasked with setting the long-term spiritual and administrative direction for the newly unified body. The Bishop will serve as the Chief Pastor of the Diocese, presiding and officiating in the worship of the Church and representing Christ and his church to the wider community.

The Transition Leadership Team

During this period of discernment, the diocese has relied on experienced leadership to guide the transition:

• Assisting Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple: Joined the diocese in 2024 as an assisting bishop to provide stable episcopal leadership during the merger phase.
• Standing Committee: Plays a crucial role in the governance and oversight of the diocese during the vacancy, including leading the search process. The committee has been providing regular updates throughout 2025.
• Bishop Search Committee: A dedicated group of lay and clergy leaders, including members like Don DeWalt, Matt Roney, and Michael Spencer, is tasked with discerning and nominating candidates for the first bishop.

The search committee has emphasized a desire for candidates who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of a newly merged diocese, specifically seeking a leader committed to the core values of spiritual growth and inclusive community building.

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Mission and Scope: A New Vision for Michigan Ministry

The organizing principle of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes centers on creative collaboration to fulfill its mission. The merger was fundamentally about enhancing the church's ability to minister effectively in the 21st century. The vision is for the diocese to be healthy, mission-focused, and rooted in a long and rich history of liturgical worship and social action.

The diocese’s commitment is lived out through several key areas of focus:

I. Nurturing Spiritual Growth

A primary goal is to nurture deep and lifelong spiritual growth among its members. This includes supporting clergy and lay leaders with resources for formation and discipleship. The emphasis is on a faith that is lived out with compassion and intelligence, reflecting the best traditions of the Anglican Communion.

II. Building Inclusive Communities

The diocese strives to build up vibrant and inclusive worshiping communities. This commitment to inclusivity is evident in its outreach and its support for various ministries. The diocese aims to be a welcoming place for all people, regardless of background or identity.

III. Key Diocesan Institutions and Ministries

The diocese supports several institutions that extend its mission beyond the parish level, providing excellent topical authority and LSI keywords:

• Episcopal Youth Camp (EYC): A long-standing tradition offering spiritual and recreational formation for young people.
• Camp Chickagami: Another vital youth camp offering a unique summer ministry experience on the shores of the Great Lakes.
• AuSable Inclusion Center: A dedicated ministry focused on ensuring full participation and welcome for all members, reflecting the diocese's commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
• Mission Regions: A new structural approach designed to connect geographically close congregations, enabling shared ministry, collaborative projects, and mutual support.

The Second Annual Convention: Charting the Future

The foundational work of the Primary Convention in October 2024 established the new diocese. The next critical gathering, the Second Annual Convention, is scheduled for October 24 and 25, 2025, in Saginaw, Michigan.

This convention is an essential annual meeting where delegates from the 98 parishes will collectively deliberate, discern, and advance the mission of Christ. Key topics will likely include budget approval, canonical updates, and further steps in the Bishop Search process. The theme for the 2025 convention acknowledges the journey of unification, emphasizing that God remains a constant companion in this new phase.

• Date: October 24 and 25, 2025.
• Location: The Horizons Conference Center in Saginaw, with some events at First Presbyterian Church.
• Purpose: To continue the journey as a unified diocese, building upon the spirit of worship, collaboration, and discernment established during the merger.

The energy surrounding the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes is palpable. The merger of the legacy dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan is a bold step, positioning the church for renewed vitality. With the search for its first bishop underway and a clear mission to foster spiritual growth and inclusive communities, the diocese is actively writing the next chapter of the Episcopal Church's presence in the heart of Michigan.