The Rev. Canon William "Chip" Stokes Elected Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey

Photo Credit: Dot Cellini 

On Saturday, May 4, 2013, The Reverend Canon William "Chip" H. Stokes, of St. Paul’s, Delray Beach, was elected as the Twelfth Bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey. Out of nine nominees Stokes, age 56, was elected by a majority in each of the lay and clergy orders on the fifth ballot. 

After elected, Stokes released a statement in which he shared how honored and grateful he was about becoming a bishop, and how he was looking forward to meeting the lay people of his new diocese. "I look forward to getting to know them and journeying with them hand in hand as we all respond to God’s call to us to love and serve one another, the communities in which we are placed and the wider church and world."

The Right Reverend Leo Frade, Bishop of the Diocese of Southeast Florida, shared warm wishes with Rev. Stokes and offered these words: “We are honored that one of our priests has been elected as the Bishop of New Jersey. Even though we are losing one of the top priests of Southeast Florida, we rejoice that the Diocese of New Jersey and the House of Bishops of our Episcopal Church is receiving a person with the outstanding qualities that a Bishop must embody. The Rev. William “Chip” Stokes is a hardworking and outstanding pastor, preacher, theologian, and leader. We will miss him and his wife Susan.” 

St. Paul’s, Delray Beach along with the people of the Diocese of Southeast Florida are proud of Rev. Stokes progress, and will continue praying for him and his ministry. 

For timely updates, schedules, and next steps at St. Paul’s, visit their website: www.stpaulsdelray.org. Visit www.bishopsearchnj.org/news for updates from the Diocese of New Jersey regarding information about bishop-elect Stokes, and click here for the Diocese of Southeast Florida's press release. 



Writing by:
Adialyn Milien
Communications Intern