Tom Shaw (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Marvil Thomas Shaw III SSJE |
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| Bishop of Massachusetts | |
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Massachusetts |
| In Office | 1995–2014 |
| Predecessor | David Elliot Johnson |
| Successor | Alan McIntosh Gates |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1971 |
| Consecration | September 24, 1994 by Edmond L. Browning |
| Personal details | |
| Birth name | Marvil Thomas Shaw |
| Born | August 28, 1945 Battle Creek, Michigan, United States |
| Died | October 17, 2014 (aged 69) West Newbury, Massachusetts, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Previous post | Coadjutor Bishop of Massachusetts (1994–1995) |
Marvil Thomas Shaw III (born August 28, 1945 – died October 17, 2014) was an Episcopal bishop. He was a leader in the church based in New England. He was also a member of the Society of St. John the Evangelist, which is a religious group. In 1995, he became the fifteenth Bishop of Massachusetts.
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Early Life and Education
Marvil Thomas Shaw was born in Battle Creek, Michigan. His parents were Marvil Thomas II and Wilma Sylvia Shaw. He went to Alma College and earned a special degree called a Master of Divinity from General Theological Seminary in New York. He also earned a Master of Arts degree in theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
Becoming a Church Leader
Shaw became a deacon on July 2, 1970. A deacon is a church leader who helps priests. He then became a priest in 1971. He worked as a curate, which is like an assistant priest, in England from 1970 to 1972. After that, he was an assistant rector at a church in Milwaukee from 1972 to 1974.
Joining a Religious Order
In 1975, Shaw joined the Society of St. John the Evangelist. This is a special religious group of priests and brothers in the Anglican Communion. He made his final promises to the group in 1981.
He became the leader of the society in 1983. During his time as leader, he helped create a retreat center in West Newbury, Massachusetts. He also started a publishing company called Cowley Publications. This company published books for the Episcopal Church. He also helped create a program in Boston for young boys and their families.
Shaw was a popular speaker and spiritual guide across the country. In 1993, he served as a chaplain for the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church. He also wrote many books, including Conversations with Scripture and Each Other in 2007.
Becoming a Bishop
On March 12, 1994, Shaw was chosen to be a bishop for the Diocese of Massachusetts. He was officially made a bishop on September 24, 1994. This made him the 898th bishop in the Episcopal Church. In January 1995, he became the main Bishop of Massachusetts.
Working for Justice and Community
Bishop Shaw was a strong supporter of peace and fairness. He often traveled to places like Palestine, Israel, Africa, and Central America. He worked to build connections between churches and help with important issues. He focused on helping to end poverty and disease around the world.
He also helped with the 1998 Lambeth Conference. Here, he worked on issues like international debt and economic justice. In 2000, he spent a month in Washington, D.C., learning about how the church can be involved in public life. He also led important church groups that focused on national and international concerns.
Supporting Education and Youth
Shaw was a founder and leader of the Epiphany Middle School in Boston. This school is free for students in the inner city. He also started the Youth Leadership Academy in the Diocese of Massachusetts. This program helps high school students develop leadership skills.
His vision also led to the completion of the Barbara C. Harris Camp and Conference Center in 2003. This center helps train church leaders and provides programs for children and young people. In 2008, he also started a program to connect with young adults in the diocese.
Retirement and Passing
On January 15, 2013, Bishop Shaw announced that he planned to retire. His successor, Alan McIntosh Gates, was chosen on April 15, 2014. Gates officially became bishop on September 13, 2014.
In August 2014, Bishop Shaw shared that he had brain cancer and it was very serious. He decided to focus on comfort care for his remaining time. Bishop Shaw passed away from brain cancer on October 17, 2014.
