José Antonio McLoughlin
José Antonio McLoughlin (born May 21, 1969) is the seventh and current bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina, United States. After studies at Virginia Theological Seminary, he was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood in 2005.
The Right Reverend José Antonio McLoughlin | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Western North Carolina | |
 | |
| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Western North Carolina |
| Elected | June 25, 2016 |
| In office | 2016–present |
| Predecessor | G. Porter Taylor |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 2005 |
| Consecration | October 1, 2016 by Michael Curry |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 21, 1969 |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | William Alexander McLoughlin & Caridad Navarrete |
| Spouse | Laurel |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Central Florida |
He was elected bishop on June 25, 2016, at special electing convention of the diocese at Trinity Church in Asheville.[1] On October 1, 2016, Bishop McLoughlin was consecrated bishop by The Most Reverend Michael Curry (bishop), 27th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, becoming the first bishop in Western North Carolina of Hispanic descent. The consecration was conducted at the Kimmel Arena located on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Asheville.[2]
Early life
Bishop José was born May 21, 1969, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. When he was young, his family, including José, his brother and parents moved to Orlando, Florida.[3]
José's father, William Alexander McLoughlin, was born and raised in The Bronx. His mother, Caridad Navarrete was born in Santiago de Cuba and left Cuba in 1961.
Law enforcement career
After graduating from Oviedo High School, McLoughlin attended the University of Central Florida where he received a BA degree in Criminal Justice. After graduating, McLoughlin worked as a Sheriff's Deputy in Orange County, Florida. After a few years in Florida, McLoughlin moved to Northern Virginia where he worked for the United States Department of Justice.[4]
Religious career
After 13 years in criminal justice, McLoughlin enrolled at Virginia Theological Seminary. There he earned a Master of Divinity degree, and was ordained as a priest and a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 2005. After graduating, McLoughlin served the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Diocese of Southeast Florida before becoming the Canon to the Ordinary & Chief of Staff for The Rt. Rev. Edward J. Konieczny in the Episcopal Diocese of Oklahoma in 2008.[5]
Election as bishop
On June 25, 2016, Canon McLoughlin was elected as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina.
The diocese contains 63 parishes, 6 summer chapels, a Diocesan School - Christ School (North Carolina) in Asheville; A retirement community, Deerfield, Asheville; 2 conference centers - Lake Logan, and Valle Crucis; a thriving summer camp, Camp Henry, and over 15,000 members. The diocese is divided into six deaneries.[6] Its cathedral is the Cathedral of All Souls in Asheville, located in Biltmore Village.
References
- Allen, D. "The Rev. Canon José A. McLoughlin is bishop-elect to the Diocese of Western North Carolina", Episcopal Cafe, 25 June 2016. Retrieved on 31 July 2020.
- "José A. McLoughlin elected as seventh bishop of Western North Carolina", Episcopal News Service, 27 June 2016. Retrieved on 31 July 2020.
- "THE REV. CANON JOSÉ McLOUGHLIN ELECTED AS SEVENTH BISHOP of WNC", Diocese of Western North Carolina, 25 June 2016. Retrieved on 31 July 2020.
- "The Rt. Rev. Bishop José A. McLoughlin", Diocese of Western North Carolina. Retrieved on 31 July 2020.
- "The Rt Revd José Antonio McLoughlin", World Anglican. Retrieved on 31 July 2020.
- Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina Website