The Episcopal Church
Welcomes You
Our Presiding Bishop
28th Presiding Bishop & Primate
The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe was elected presiding bishop and primate of The Episcopal Church in June 2024 and took office on Nov. 1 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.
He was ordained bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania in 2007 after serving as rector of St. John’s in Franklin, Pennsylvania, for seven years. From 2014 to 2018, he served as bishop provisional of the Episcopal Diocese of Bethlehem, and from 2019 to 2024, he led a partnership between the Episcopal Dioceses of Northwestern Pennsylvania and Western New York.
Rowe holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Grove City College, a Master of Divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary, and a doctorate in organizational learning and leadership from Gannon University. He has served as a leader of many civic and churchwide organizations and governance bodies, and as parliamentarian for the House of Bishops.




St. Thomas parishioners are especially active with the following organizations:
The Avondale Breakfast Ministry - Provides a free brown bag breakfast in Avondale Monday-Friday
Episcopal Place - Provides affordable housing to senior and disabled adults with restricted income
Grace Klein Community - Offers drive-thru sites for food support and provides other assistance
Greater Birmingham Ministries - Provides food, clothing and advocacy for the poor in our community
Knitting for Peace - Provides hand-knit dolls to children in areas of conflict
Power Socks - An in-house ministry selling hand-knit socks to raise money to assist with utility bills
Sawyerville Day Camp - A free summer camp and learning program in Hale County, AL
In Micah 6:8, the Bible tells us to "do justice," but what does that mean?
To "do justice," we must actively love our neighbors and seek out ways to help the vulnerable.
This Justice Drive highlights local organizations connected with the work of justice.
The flyer provides information about the organizations, prayers for the community, and a QR code for a map and directions.
Click on the map for directions.