Thomas Ely, Retired Bishop of Vermont, Passes Away at 73 – Episcopal News Service Article

September 2, 2025

Reverend Thomas Ely, Pioneering Episcopal Bishop, Dies at 73

The Reverend Thomas C. Ely, a respected figure in the Episcopal Church, passed away on August 30th at the age of 73. He served as Bishop of Vermont from 2001 to 2019 and as Provisional Bishop of Northern Dakota from 2021 until 2024.

A Battle wiht Illness and a Lasting Impact

Ely’s passing follows a battle with esophageal cancer, which began in September 2023. He documented his experience on a CaringBridge page, offering transparency and connection throughout his treatment. His decades-long career was marked by a commitment to inclusivity and progressive leadership within the church.

Early Life and Ministry

Ordained as both a deacon and a priest in 1980 within the Diocese of Connecticut, Ely dedicated years to various ministerial roles. Before his appointment in Vermont, he was instrumental in leading the Diocesan Ministry of Youth and its retirement center, building a foundation for his future bishopric. He was a graduate of the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee.

Champion of LGBTQ+ Inclusion

Bishop Shannon Macvean-Brown of Vermont described Ely as a steadfast advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, both within the church and in broader society. His commitment extended to practical demonstrations of sustainability, symbolized by the solar panels powering the diocesan office, affectionately named after him and his wife, Ann. According to a 2024 report by the Pew Research Center, acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals continues to grow, demonstrating the ongoing importance of Ely’s work.

Bishop Gene Robinson,the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church,previously acknowledged Ely’s pivotal role in fostering greater acceptance and inclusion for all baptized individuals. Robinson credited ely with doing more than anyone, including himself, to advance full inclusion within the church community.

Legacy of Service and Reconciliation

Reverend Susan Russell, a canon with the Episcopal Diocese of Los angeles, highlighted Ely’s dedication to peace-building, his efforts to bridge divides, and his unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community. Russell noted Ely’s leadership in the work aimed at ending armed violence and fostering communion across differences.

Family and Funeral Arrangements

Ely is survived by his wife, Ann, and daughters, Jennifer and Katherine, alongside several grandchildren. As per his wishes, he will be laid to rest in an ecological burial at the historic Christ Church in Guilford, Vermont. A celebration of life service is currently being planned by the Diocese, details of which will be released soon.

Role	Dates Served	Location
Bishop	2001 – 2019	Vermont
Provisional Bishop	2021 – 2024	Northern Dakota

The Evolving Landscape of LGBTQ+ Inclusion in religion

The Episcopal Church has been at the forefront of LGBTQ+ inclusion in mainstream Christianity. This commitment represents a broader shift within religious communities globally, though acceptance levels vary considerably. The legacy of leaders like Reverend Ely continues to shape these conversations, pushing for greater understanding and affirmation. According to a 2023 study by the Public Religion Research Institute, a growing number of Americans believe religious organizations should be accepting of LGBTQ+ people.

Did You Know? Ecological burials, like the one requested by Reverend Ely, are gaining popularity as a lasting alternative to conventional burial practices.

Frequently Asked Questions about Reverend Thomas Ely

• What was Reverend Ely known for? He was renowned as a champion for LGBTQ+ inclusion within the episcopal church and for his commitment to peace and reconciliation.
• Where did Reverend Ely serve as bishop? He served as bishop of Vermont and as Provisional Bishop of Northern Dakota.
• What was Reverend Ely’s approach to environmental sustainability? He exemplified a commitment to sustainability, exemplified by the solar panels named after him and his wife at the Vermont Diocesan office.
• What is an ecological burial? Its a burial practice that aims to minimize environmental impact, often involving biodegradable materials and natural landscaping.
• How did other leaders view his work? Bishop Gene robinson credited Ely with doing more to advance LGBTQ+ inclusion than anyone, including himself.

what are your thoughts on Reverend Ely’s legacy? How can faith communities continue to promote inclusivity and acceptance? Share your comments below.

What specific social justice issues did Bishop Ely actively support during his time in Vermont?

Thomas Ely, Retired Bishop of vermont, Passes Away at 73

A Legacy of Leadership in the Episcopal Church

The Episcopal Church mourns the loss of the Right Reverend Thomas Ely, retired Bishop of Vermont, who passed away on September 2nd, 2025, at the age of 73. News of Bishop Ely’s death was widely circulated via an Episcopal News Service article, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance from across the denomination. His passing marks the end of an era for the Diocese of Vermont and the broader Episcopal community. This article details his life, ministry, and lasting impact.

Early Life and Ministry Before Vermont

Thomas Ely’s journey to the episcopacy was marked by dedicated service and a commitment to theological education.

early Career: Before assuming the role of Bishop, Ely served in various capacities within the Episcopal Church, including roles in parish ministry and diocesan leadership.

Academic Background: He held a strong academic foundation,contributing to his thoughtful and nuanced approach to leadership. Details regarding his specific educational institutions and degrees are readily available through Episcopal Church archives.

Prior Diocesan Roles: He served as Canon to the Ordinary in the Diocese of Massachusetts prior to his election as bishop of Vermont, gaining valuable experience in diocesan governance and pastoral care.

Bishop Ely’s Tenure in Vermont (2000-2010)

Elected as the ninth Bishop of Vermont in 1999 and consecrated in 2000, Thomas Ely led the diocese for a decade, navigating a period of both growth and challenge for the Episcopal Church. His leadership was characterized by a focus on inclusivity, social justice, and strengthening relationships within the diocese and beyond.

Key Initiatives and Accomplishments

Social Justice Advocacy: Bishop Ely was a vocal advocate for social justice issues, particularly those affecting marginalized communities in Vermont. He actively supported initiatives addressing poverty, environmental concerns, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Ecumenical Dialog: He prioritized building strong relationships wiht other Christian denominations in Vermont, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect.

Parish Vitality: A key focus during his episcopacy was supporting and revitalizing parishes throughout the diocese, recognizing the importance of local congregations in the life of the church.

Camp Marian Renewal: Bishop Ely was instrumental in the revitalization of Camp Marian, the diocesan camp and conference center, ensuring its continued service as a vital ministry for youth and families.

Navigating challenging Times

Bishop Ely’s tenure coincided with meaningful internal debates within the Episcopal Church, particularly surrounding issues of human sexuality. He approached these challenges with grace, compassion, and a commitment to maintaining unity within the diocese, even amidst disagreement. His ability to foster respectful dialogue was widely praised.

Post-Retirement Ministry and Continued Influence

Following his retirement in 2010, Bishop Ely remained actively involved in the Episcopal Church, continuing to offer his wisdom and experience to the wider community.

interim Ministry: He frequently served as an interim bishop in various dioceses,providing transitional leadership during periods of change.

Consulting and mentoring: Bishop Ely was sought after as a consultant and mentor by clergy and lay leaders alike, offering guidance on a range of issues facing the church.

Theological Reflection: He continued to engage in theological reflection and writing, sharing his insights through articles and presentations.

Remembering Bishop Ely: Tributes and Reactions

The news of Bishop Ely’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the Episcopal Church.

Diocesan Statement: The Diocese of Vermont released a statement expressing deep sorrow at his death and celebrating his legacy of leadership.

Colleagues and Friends: Fellow bishops, clergy, and lay leaders have shared personal reflections on his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel.

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