I am pleased to announce that the Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton has accepted the call to serve as part-time Assistant Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, beginning in September 2025.

Bishop Sutton is no stranger to the Diocese of Washington. Born and raised in Washington, DC, Bishop Sutton served several EDOW congregations as priest and as Canon Pastor of Washington National Cathedral prior to his election as Bishop of the Diocese of Maryland, where he served from 2008-2024. He currently serves as Senior Pastor of the Chautauqua Institution, a national religious, educational and arts organization based in upstate New York.

Bishop Sutton is married to Sonya Subbayya Sutton, a past President of the Association of Anglican Musicians who has served several Episcopal churches as Organist/Choirmaster over a 40-year career. They live in Washington, DC for most of the year, and in the summer months in Chautauqua, New York.

Always a good friend to the Diocese of Washington, Bishop Sutton will surely be a blessing among us as he steps into the role of Assistant Bishop. He will make Sunday parish visits (an average of 2 per month) and take part in other services and events where a bishop’s presence is desired or required. Most importantly, he will serve as a pastor to clergy and congregations, with a particular focus on our historically Black and predominantly Black congregations.

Bishop Sutton is a leader with many spiritual gifts. He has a passion for leading retreats and pilgrimages, and for helping others go deeper in their faith through contemplative prayer practices. Bishop Sutton also has a strong commitment to racial reconciliation and justice, and he is a nationally recognized leader on reparations as a means toward reconciliation.

“I am honored and excited to be returning to the Diocese of Washington in this new capacity,” said Bishop Sutton. “Over the years I’ve been fortunate to get to know many of the parishes and people here. Now as its assistant bishop, I look forward to forming new bonds of mutuality and affection as together we encounter the living Christ in our midst and continue God’s mission of reconciliation both within the diocese and in the world beyond.”

Given his summer responsibilities, we won’t see much of Bishop Sutton until September. In the next few weeks, however, he will get to know our diocesan staff and we will begin working out his schedule for the fall and beyond.

If there is an event for which you would like to invite Bishop Sutton when he begins his ministry among us please contact Allen Fitzpatrick, executive assistant to the canons. In the meantime, please join me in giving thanks for the opportunity to welcome him back to the Diocese of Washington.