How we're connected
We’re part of a larger church that shares leadership, tradition, and mission across local communities and around the world.
St. John's Episcopal Church
Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
The Episcopal Church
Anglican Communion (worldwide)
Meet Our Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle
Ninth Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
Bishop LaBelle serves as the spiritual leader of the Diocese of Olympia, which includes Episcopal churches across Western Washington. In this role, he supports congregations like St. John’s, provides pastoral leadership, and helps guide the church’s mission in the wider community.
Bishops in the Episcopal Church are part pastor, part teacher, and part connector—linking local churches to the larger life of the Church.
About Bishop LaBelle
The Rt. Rev. Philip N. LaBelle is the Ninth Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia. The Diocese elected Bishop LaBelle on May 18, 2024, and he was Consecrated and Ordained on September 14, 2024.
Bishop LaBelle previously served as rector of St. Mark’s Church in Southborough, Massachusetts. During his time in the Diocese of Massachusetts, Bishop LaBelle co-led the Mission Strategy Committee, served on Executive Committee and Diocesan Council, and directed the Fresh Start program. He co-founded Southborough Neighbors for Peace with Dr. Safdar Medina in their small town. The organization hosted peace vigils, began a community-wide Iftar dinner during Ramadan, established an interfaith Thanksgiving service, and sponsored other bridge-building events. Additionally, Bishop LaBelle served on the core team of Central Mass.
Connections in Faith, an organization centered on fostering relationships and learning about other religious faiths through quarterly gatherings.
In June of 2024, Bishop LaBelle received his Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Seminary focused on Christian Spirituality. His thesis work explored the theology and practice of zimzum and how to make space in our overly busy lives for God, others, and the natural world. He received his MDiv from Yale University in 2004, along with a diploma in Anglican Studies from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale. He holds a Master’s degree in composition and rhetoric from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s degree in English with an additional concentration in theological studies from Gordon College. He has also received certificates in congregational development and religious fundraising.
Additionally, Bishop LaBelle served in the Diocese of Colorado—where he was on the Commission on Ministry—and in the Diocese of Connecticut. Over his nearly 20 years of ordained ministry, he co-led more than a dozen mission trips for youth and adults. Before seminary, he worked in marketing communications and web development at multiple internet startups.
Bishop LaBelle is married to Dr. Melissa Tobey LaBelle, an Assistant Professor of Secondary Education at Bridgewater State University focused on language and literacy development. Together, they have two young adult children: Noah, a recent high school graduate currently on a bridge year program in Senegal, and Olivia, a high school senior who has been recruited to run track at college. Both Noah and Olivia began their university studies in the fall.
With St. Mark’s, Bishop LaBelle received a Clergy Renewal Grant from the Lily Endowment in 2017. He explored wilderness spirituality, the beauty of the natural world, and the need for climate justice. Additionally, he and his family walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain, and he and Noah have summited Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Our Presiding Bishop
The Most Rev. Sean Rowe
Presiding Bishop and Primate of The Episcopal Church
The Presiding Bishop serves as the chief pastor and public voice of The Episcopal Church.
The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024, and took office on November 1, 2024, for a nine-year term. In this role, he serves as the church’s chief pastor and CEO. Known for his expertise in organizational learning and adaptive change, Rowe is committed to strengthening support for local ministry and mission.
About Bishop Rowe
The Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, bishop of the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York, was elected and confirmed the 28th presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church on June 26 for a nine-year term beginning November 1, 2024.
Rowe was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 and became bishop provisional of Western New York in 2019. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem.
Born in Sharon, Pennsylvania, Rowe earned a bachelor’s degree in history from Grove City College, a master of divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University.
Rowe was the youngest Episcopal priest in the U.S. when he was ordained in 2000 at age 24, and he was the youngest member of the House of Bishops when he was ordained and consecrated at age 32.
Known for his research and work on organizational learning and adaptive performance in the church, Rowe serves as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops and the Episcopal Church Executive Council; chair of the Episcopal Church Building Fund; and as a member of the Standing Commission on Structure, Governance, and Constitution and Canons. He also serves on the Greater Buffalo Racial Equity Roundtable. In 2018, he became the first bishop to serve on the House of Deputies Committee on the State of the Church.
Rowe is married to Carly Rowe, a Christian educator; they have a daughter named Lauren.