Edmond L. Browning facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Most Reverend Edmond L. Browning |
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| 24th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church | |
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Elected | September 19, 1985 |
| In Office | 1985–1997 |
| Predecessor | John Allin |
| Successor | Frank Griswold |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | May 23, 1955 |
| Consecration | January 5, 1968 by John E. Hines |
| Personal details | |
| Born | March 11, 1929 Corpus Christi, Texas, United States |
| Died | July 11, 2016 (aged 87) Hood River, Oregon, United States |
| Buried | Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew (Honolulu) |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Episcopal Church |
| Parents | Edmond Lucian Browning, Cora Mae Lee |
| Spouse | Patricia Alline Sparks |
| Children | 5 |
| Previous post | Bishop of Okinawa (1968-1971) Bishop of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe (1971-1974) Executive for National and World Mission (1974-1976) Bishop of Hawaii (1976-1985) |
Edmond Lee Browning (born March 11, 1929 – died July 11, 2016) was an important American church leader. He served as the 24th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in the United States. This means he was the main leader of the Episcopal Church in America.
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Early Life and Ministry
Edmond Browning studied at the University of the South. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1952. Then, he received a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1954.
He became a deacon in the church on July 2, 1954. A deacon is a minister who helps the priest. On May 23, 1955, he became a priest.
In 1953, he married Patricia Alline Sparks. They had five children together: Mark, Paige, Philip, Peter, and John.
Browning started his work as a priest in Corpus Christi, Texas. He worked at the Church of the Good Shepherd from 1954 to 1956. After that, he was the main priest, called a rector, at the Church of the Redeemer in Eagle Pass, Texas, until 1959.
Working in Japan and Europe
In 1959, Browning and his wife moved to Okinawa, Japan. They lived there for 12 years. He was a priest at All Souls Church in Okinawa until 1963.
From 1963 to 1965, they studied at a language school in Kobe. After returning to Okinawa, he served at St. Matthew's Church until 1968. On January 5, 1968, he became the first Missionary Bishop of Okinawa.
In 1971, Bishop Browning moved to Nice, France. He became the Bishop of the Convocation of American Churches in Europe. This meant he was in charge of Episcopal churches in countries like Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy, and France. He was the first bishop to hold this position full-time.
Returning to the United States
In June 1974, Browning came back to the United States. He worked at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City. He helped manage the church's work in the U.S. and around the world.
In 1976, he was chosen to be the Bishop of Hawaii. He started this role on August 1, 1976, at the Cathedral Church of Saint Andrew in Honolulu. He was the sixth bishop to serve Hawaii since 1862.
Becoming Presiding Bishop
On September 19, 1985, Edmond Browning was elected as the 24th Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church. This happened at a big meeting called the General Convention in Anaheim, California. He was elected for a 12-year term.
After his election, Browning shared his hopes for the church. He wanted the church to help people understand important global issues. He believed the church should work to improve conditions for people who are poor or hungry. He also famously said, "This church of ours is open to all — there will be no outcasts — the convictions and hopes of all will be honored."
Browning officially became the Presiding Bishop on January 16, 1986. This ceremony took place at Washington National Cathedral. In his first speech, he spoke about disagreements within the church. He said he would respect all views, even if he didn't agree with them. He wanted to keep the church united.
During his time as Presiding Bishop, the church faced some challenges. There were different ideas about how the church should move forward. Browning worked to keep everyone together despite these differences.
Near the end of his term, there was a problem with church funds. A former church treasurer misused some money. Browning worked to fix the situation. The church was able to get most of the money back.
In his final year as Presiding Bishop, he published a book. It was called A Year of Days with the Book of Common Prayer.
Retirement and Later Life
Browning retired on December 31, 1997. Frank Griswold became the next Presiding Bishop.
Edmond and his wife Patti moved to Oregon for their retirement. They lived in the Hood River Valley and farmed blueberries.
Edmond Browning passed away on July 11, 2016. His funeral was held on July 19, 2016, at Trinity Cathedral in Portland.
