The Rt. Rev.
James L. Jelinek
The Rt. Rev. James L. Jelinek, Eighth Bishop of Minnesota, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Raised as a Lutheran, he was confirmed in the Episcopal Church in 1965. He completed undergraduate and graduate work in languages and comparative literature, and received his divinity degree from General Theological Seminary in New York City. He was awarded an honorary doctorate from that institution in 1994.
A parish priest for 22 years, Bishop Jelinek served congregations in Tennessee, Ohio, and San Francisco. He was elected Bishop of Minnesota in 1993.
Bishop Jelinek is titular head of a number of diocesan institutions, including Episcopal Community Services and the University Episcopal Center, all in Minneapolis; Breck School, Golden Valley; Shattuck-St. Mary's School, Faribault; and the Episcopal House of Prayer, Collegeville. He serves on the boards of General Theological Seminary, New York City; Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois; and Episcopal Homes of Minnesota. At the national church level, Bishop Jelinek is President of Province VI of the Episcopal Church,is a member of the Presiding Bishop's Council of Advice and chair of the Standing Commission on Anglican and International Peace with Justice Concerns. He was the host bishop for the 2003 General Convention of the Episcopal Church, held in Minneapolis.
The Bishop of Minnesota attends to the ministry of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, and is responsible for the oversight and spiritual direction of its clergy and congregations. In his role, Bishop Jelinek is also often called to speak on ecumenical issues facing Christians in the contemporary world.
Given his years spent in inner city and multicultural ministry, Bishop Jelinek is an advocate for ending urban poverty, dismantling institutional racism, and incorporating people who are new to this country. He has also advocated on behalf of rural farm workers and those with chronic mental illness.
Photo by Jeffrey G. Smith
2006 Annual Convention, Duluth
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