Paula Clark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Paula Clark |
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|---|---|
| Bishop of Chicago | |
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Chicago |
| Elected | December 12, 2020 |
| Predecessor | Jeffrey D. Lee |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 2004 |
| Consecration | September 17, 2022 by Michael Curry |
| Personal details | |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Previous post | Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff, Episcopal Diocese of Washington |
| Alma mater | Brown University |
Paula E. Clark is an important leader in the Episcopal Church. She is the thirteenth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, serving since September 2022. She made history as the first African American and the first woman to be elected to this significant role in Chicago.
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Who is Bishop Paula Clark?
Before becoming Bishop of Chicago, Paula Clark worked as a "Canon to the Ordinary and Chief of Staff" for the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. This means she was a key advisor and manager for the bishop in Washington, D.C. She was chosen for the Chicago bishop role on December 12, 2020.
Her Early Life and Education
Paula Clark grew up in Washington, D.C. Her family joined an Episcopal church after they found it hard to join a Baptist church in their neighborhood. She was baptized at age 10 by John T. Walker, who was the Bishop of Washington at the time.
She went to Brown University for her college education. Later, she earned a Master of Public Policy degree from the University of California at Berkeley. Before becoming a church leader, she worked for the government in Washington, D.C.
Becoming a Church Leader
After her work in government, Paula Clark decided to study at Virginia Theological Seminary. This is a special school where people train to become church leaders. She graduated from the seminary and became an ordained minister in 2004.
A New Role in Chicago
Paula Clark was elected to be the Bishop of Chicago in December 2020. This was a very important step in her career. She was set to take over from Bishop Jeffrey D. Lee, who retired at the end of 2020.
Overcoming Challenges
Her official ceremony, called a "consecration," was first planned for April 24, 2021. However, it had to be postponed several times because of health issues she faced. The diocese announced that her health had improved, but she still needed more time to recover.
Finally, in May 2022, the diocese announced a new date for her consecration. Paula Clark was officially consecrated as Bishop of Chicago on September 17, 2022. The ceremony took place at a hotel in Lombard, Illinois.
