The Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French called as Diocesan Canon for East Regional Ministry and Collaborative Innovation
The Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French, interim east regional canon, has been called to serve as the Canon for East Regional Ministry and Collaborative Innovation for the Diocese of North Carolina. This new position provides continued care for the congregations and communities of our east regions, or the Durham, Raleigh and Rocky Mount convocations, with the goal of developing increased collaboration and engagement among clergy and laity. Additionally, French will work with the Rev. Canon David Sellery, canon for congregational mission, to develop strategies and initiatives to engage congregations and communities further, enhance vitality and expand leadership capacity at all levels.
“We are excited that Sally will continue to serve on our diocesan team, providing support and guidance to our congregations for an extended time, even as we continue to adapt and evolve in our understanding of becoming beloved community,” said the Rt. Rev. Sam Rodman, bishop of the Diocese of North Carolina. “Her effective and responsive leadership has helped chart the course for our diocese as we develop our priorities for mission in the new normal of church in, through and beyond the pandemic.”
French has served as the interim east regional canon since November 2020. Since joining the diocesan staff, she has worked collaboratively with the team of canons and missioners to enhance congregational vitality and secure additional funding for new initiatives. Working with Sellery, French co-authored three substantial grant proposals, securing support from Trinity Wall Street, the Episcopal Preaching Foundation and the Roanridge Trust, all of which furthers our work to support congregations and communities within the Diocese of North Carolina.
The work of collaborative innovation will focus primarily on exploring new models of congregational support that will increase the impact of congregational development initiatives at the local, convocational, regional and diocesan levels, support members in their lives of discipleship, encourage and strengthen ministry leadership with a focus on lay vocations, and engage congregations and faith communities in the work of Becoming Beloved Community.
Canon Sellery noted “Leadership development work will enhance all areas of our diocesan priorities and is important as a way to engage disciples and support our common mission of Becoming Beloved Community,” said Sellery. “It requires special focus, and Sally has demonstrated both gifts for caring for our congregations and communities and vision to support our missional priorities.”
French’s new position is effective immediately.
