Bishop Thomas Ely, who led the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont from 2001 to 2019 died on August 30 at Rutland Regional Medical Center. He had been sick for some time and his health rapidly declined over the holiday weekend. He was 73.
“Bishop Ely was a beloved leader and member of the Diocese of Vermont,” said Bishop Shannon MacVean-Brown. “He was a tireless advocate for LGBTQ+ people in the church and a champion for marriage equality. He supported lay leadership at all levels of the church, and was a fierce advocate for Rock Point, for which I am grateful. The work he led to preserve Rock Point will be felt for many generations to come.”
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul on October 18 at 11 a.m. The Most Rev. Sean Rowe and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Shannon MacVean-Brown will both preside. The Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson will preach.
Ely was known in the wider church for his advocacy on behalf of marriage equality.
“When the story of the movement for the full inclusion of LGBTQ people in the Episcopal Church is written, Bishop Tom Ely will inarguably be one of its heroes,” said the Rev. Susan Russell, convener of the Claiming the Blessing coalition, which presented Ely with the Voice of Witness Award upon his retirement. “It is impossible to overstate the impact of the gifts he brought to this struggle as a keen strategic thinker, a doggedly committed ally and a deeply compassionate pastor.”
Episcopalians were key players in the campaign for marriage equality in Vermont, and they enjoyed Ely’s strong support. “I believe equality is a gospel value, a justice value, a missional value, and a pastoral value,” he wrote in 2015 when the U. S. Supreme Court cleared the way for marriage equality with its ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges. “Securing the right to marriage to all people is a practice consistent with the long-held values of civil equality held by the Episcopal Church. I celebrate today with all same-sex couples who are now granted this fundamental right.”
Ely’s tenure in Vermont was marked by his love of preaching and teaching baptismal ministry. Ely wanted all members of the church to understand that by way of baptism, they are ministers, whether ordained or not. He encouraged collaborative lay and clergy leadership at both the parish and diocesan level.
Ely served on the board of Cristosal, a non-governmental agency that works to advance human rights in Central America. His “leadership helped guide the organization through challenging moments of discernment that defined Cristosal’s identity as a human rights organization and our mandate to accompany victims,” said the Cristosal staff in an email to the organization’s community. “Because of him, Cristosal grew not only in reach but also remained rooted in the spirit of its founding.”
He also co-founded the Vermont chapter of Kids4Peace, a grassroots interfaith youth movement dedicated to ending conflict in the Middle East. He was a leading advocate for the Vermont Ecumenical Council and Vermont Interfaith Action.
As bishop, Ely served on the board of Rock Point, a 130-acre property in Burlington, owned by the diocese, and known for its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. Under his leadership, the Partnership Campaign for Rock Point helped ensure the last remaining green space in Burlington will be preserved for years to come. A solar array installed in 2012 and purchased outright in 2017 powers the diocesan property and is named in Thomas and Ann Ely’s honor. He also served on the board of Rock Point School and was a leading member of Bishops United Against Gun Violence. He served for many years as a peer coach in the House of Bishops.
A 1975 cum laude graduate of Western Connecticut State University, Bishop Ely received his Master of Divinity degree in 1980 from the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He served in numerous roles in the Diocese of Connecticut following his ordination to the priesthood, including a six-year stint as director of youth ministry and director of the diocesan camp from 1985 to 1991. Following his consecration in 2001, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Sewanee.
An avid golfer, he co-founded the Cranmer Cup, an informal golf tournament between bishops from the Episcopal Church and the Church of England, captaining Team USA in the 2006 tournament.
He is survived by his wife, Martha Ann (Wiggins), whom he married in 1976. They have two daughters and four grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to the family c/o The Episcopal Diocese of Vermont, 5 Rock Point Road, Burlington, VT 05408.
