After years of discernment, planning, and preparation, the legacy dioceses of Bethlehem and Central Pennsylvania have officially reunified to become The Episcopal Diocese of the Susquehanna. Together, we are one community of Episcopalians in 117 churches, loving God and neighbor in 39 counties across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. To help us get to know one another, here’s an introduction to your diocesan leaders.
Moving forward, everything you’ll need to know can be found on the new diocesan website, diosusquehanna.org. Make sure to follow us on social media to stay in the loop.
Leadership of the Diocese of the Susquehanna
Bishops
During the reunification discernment process, Bishop Scanlan and Bishop Nichols decided through their own discernment and mutual decision, that Bishop Scanlan would be presented for election as Bishop Diocesan and Bishop Nichols for appointment as Assistant Bishop at the 2025 joint Annual Convention. Read more about the Episcopal Transition Plan. Both Bishops now serve the Diocese of the Susquehanna pastorally, liturgically, and administratively in their new roles. You can reach out to either or both bishop as you wish.
The Rt. Rev. Audrey C. Scanlan is Bishop Diocesan, which means she holds jurisdiction in the diocese with particular responsibility for the doctrine, discipline, and worship of the church. Bishop Scanlan’s areas of responsibility include oversight of program and congregational life, clergy care, deacons, retired clergy, the Commission on Ministry, Standing Committee, and parochial visitations. Contact Bishop Scanlan at [email protected].
The Rt. Rev. Kevin D. Nichols is Assistant Bishop. Bishop Nichols’ areas of responsibility include oversight of finance and administration, the Stevenson School for Ministry, communications, clergy care, Diocesan Council, and parochial visitations. Contact Bishop Nichols at [email protected].
Diocesan Staff
he diocesan staff supports the ministry of the bishops, congregations, and ministries of the diocese through administration, education, and resourcing.
Committees and Commissions
Beloved Community Commission
The Beloved Community Commission will strive to help us dismantle racist and oppressive systems in our church and in our communities by acknowledging our shared past, dignifying the lived experiences of people of color, and renewing our collective commitment to repair, heal, and reconcile the beauty of God’s image and likeness in every human being.
Commission on Ministry
The Commission on Ministry is an important part of the community of discernment, assisting the bishop in enlisting and selecting persons for Holy Orders and developing, training, and affirming the ministry of all baptized people.
Diocesan Council
The Diocesan Council is the executive agency of the Diocesan Convention between meetings of the Convention, administering and advancing the work of The Episcopal Church in the Diocese of the Susquehanna.
Disciplinary Board
The Disciplinary Board is a group of clergy and laypeople who make up the Reference, Conference, and Hearing Panels for cases of reported clergy misconduct (Title IV).
General Convention Deputies and Alternates
Deputies and Alternates to General Convention are elected from this diocese to serve as representatives at the triennial governance meeting of The Episcopal Church.
Standing Committee
The Standing Committee is the Bishop’s Council of Advice, advising the Bishop and giving consent in matters of the disposition of property, ecclesiastical discipline, the election and consecration of bishops, and in matters involving candidates for ordained ministry.
Other Appointed Leaders
Archdeacon for Deacons
The Archdeacon for Deacons serves as a diocesan convener and support for all deacons serving in the diocese.
- The Ven. Jane Miron, St. Thomas, Lancaster
Chancellors
The Chancellor and Vice Chancellor advise the bishop and diocese on matters of secular and ecclesiastical law.
- Michael Miller, Esq., Chancellor, St. John’s, Carlisle
- Wiley Parker, Esq., Vice Chancellor, St. Luke’s, Lebanon
Liturgists
The Diocesan Liturgists assist in creating special diocesan services, such as ordinations and reaffirmation of vows.
- The Rev. Angel Scarborough, All Saints, Hershey
- The Rev. Dale Grandfield, Church of the Mediator, Allentown
Retired Clergy Chaplains
Retired Clergy Chaplains are clergy who have been appointed to serve the needs of retired clergy in our diocese.
- The Rev. Janis Yskamp, Northern Tier Missioner
- The Rev. Barbara Seras
- The Rev. Betsy Sentigar, Christ Church, Towanda
Secretary
The Secretary takes minutes of the proceedings of diocesan conventions so that the Journals and Records may serve as official records of the acts of those meetings.
- Ms. Elizabeth (Libby) House
Treasurer
The Treasurer serves at the direction of the Bishop, Diocesan Council and Convention, performing duties including keeping accounts and making reports.
- The Rev. Deacon Jim Jenkins, St. Paul’s, Bloomsburg