The Right Rev. Dr. Douglas John Fisher, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts — Bishop Fisher’s Blog
The Reverend Dr. Douglas John Fisher was elected on June 2, 2012 as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts.
Fisher, age 57, rector of Grace Church in Millbrook, New York until September, 2012, (Diocese of New York), was elected on the third ballot out of a field of five nominees. The election was held at Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield, Massachusetts.
“We are overwhelmed, humbled and honored by this election,” said Bishop-elect Fisher. “The Diocese was so prayerful and spirited in this process and is aware of the many gifts that God has given them. They are ready to take on the challenges of the 21st century, and the Fisher family looks forward to being in Western Massachusetts and serving the kingdom of God with them.”
On December 1, 2012, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori consecrated Fisher as Bishop at the MassMutual Center in Springfield, succeeding The Rt. Rev. Gordon Paul Scruton, who was elected as bishop in 1996.
At his ordination and consecration, Bishop Fisher remarked, “This day is not about one person, but about the whole Church,” said Bishop Fisher. “The ordination and consecration of a Bishop is a deeply meaningful time when we all get to renew the faith that is within us and re-commit ourselves to following Jesus in his mission of mercy, compassion and hope. It is a time of celebration and inspiration for all God’s people.”
Prior to becoming rector of Grace Church, Fisher was Pastor of Holy Innocents in Highland Falls, New York and Chaplain to United States Military Academy at West Point (1997-2000), and Chair of the Standing Committee for the Diocese of New York. He is a graduate of St. John’s University, where he received his Bachelor of Arts, Immaculate Conception Seminary where he earned a Master of Divinity, and Episcopal Divinity School where he received a Doctor of Ministry.
Fisher was honored with the James Newcombe Award for Outstanding Biblical Scholar, by Immaculate Conception Seminary in 1980, and received the Angel Award from Religion in Media, Hollywood, California in 1984, 1985 and 1988.
Born and raised in Valley Stream, Long Island, Fisher is married to the Rev. Elizabeth Fisher, and has three children.
Trinity Episcopal Church, Shrewsbury, MA 