In a vote held on Sunday, the Rev. Ann Ritonia, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church in Ellicott City, was chosen to become the bishop suffragan for the Diocese of the Armed Forces and Federal Ministries.
MSN reported that Ritonia would be the first woman in the post.
First Woman Bishop Suffragan
The House of Bishops, the church's governing body, comprises over 300 bishops from across the denomination. Reverend Ritonia was elected president over two other finalists at a convention in Nauvoo, Alabama.
According to MSN, a bishop suffragan is a bishop who serves as a helper to the primary bishop.
As the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, Most Rev. Michael Curry has appointed Ritonia to supervise the national church's chaplaincy initiatives.
Ritonia has a lengthy military career. She served for 17 years as a Marine and in the Marine Corps Reserves, rising to the rank of major before sensing a call to the Episcopal priesthood.
Her former superior in the Maryland diocese, the Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, praised the many skills she brought to her position. According to Sutton, Ritonia is a highly effective leader.
"And now, in this historic moment, she will become the first woman to represent the Episcopal Church in [this] ministry," added Sutton, as quoted in the report.
The consecration of Ritonia will take place on Sept. 30 at Washington's St. John's Episcopal Church.
Who is Rev. Ann Ritonia?
St. John's Episcopal Church and Parish Day School is a resource-size parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, where the Rev. Ann Ritonia has served as rector.
She is a creative and imaginative leader with years of expertise in church expansion, pastoral care, and community engagement gained while serving as a rector in parishes.
According to The Episcopal Church, she is a driving force behind the creation and facilitation of interfaith events in Howard County as part of the Interfaith Clergy Fellowship.
In 2022, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Ritonia established St. John's Center for Spiritual and Mental Health.
In serving the U.S. Marine Corps, Ritonia was squadron executive officer during yearly training deployments and Operation Desert Storm mobilization of her reserve unit.
About St. John's Episcopal Church
Hymns, prayers, moments of silence, Communion, and sermons that draw parallels between the Bible and everyday life are all part of the worship experience at St. John's Episcopal Church.
St. John's congregation reflects the diversity of God's Kingdom in terms of location, culture, and worldview.
According to the website, St. John's Episcopal Church fulfills hopes and dreams. They exist to help people grow closer to God, their loved ones, and themselves by tending to their spiritual needs.
The church extends its invitation to individuals of various ages, interests, and abilities to join them in worship and participate in the ministry of this parish and its activities.
They also believe that everyone will learn what it is like to make new friends, experience the thrill of giving their life meaning, and feel the hope that comes from following Christ as they celebrate God's glory together.
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