Michael Gene Smith (born September 5, 1955) is an American prelate, who was the eleventh Bishop of North Dakota between 2004 and 2019. He was consecrated on May 8, 2004.


Michael Gene Smith
Bishop of North Dakota
ChurchEpiscopal Church
DioceseNorth Dakota
ElectedFebruary 7, 2004
In office2004–2019
PredecessorAndrew Fairfield
SuccessorKeith Whitmore
Orders
ConsecrationMay 8, 2004
by Frank Griswold
Personal details
Born
Michael Gene Smith

(1955-09-05) September 5, 1955 (age 69)
DenominationAnglican
SpouseLisa White Smith
Children3
Alma materOklahoma State University
Marymount College
University of Oklahoma
Seabury-Western Theological Seminary

Early life and education

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Smith is an enrolled member of the Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma.[1] He is chair of the Bishops’ Native Collaborative and Chair of the Communion Partner Bishops Advisory Committee.[2]

Smith holds degrees in Psychology, Music, Social Work, and Theology from Oklahoma State University, Marymount College of Kansas, the University of Oklahoma and Seabury-Western Theological Seminary.[1] He is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in preaching through Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri.[1]

Prior to becoming bishop of North Dakota, Smith served at Episcopal churches Oklahoma and Minnesota.[2]

Considered a theological conservative, Smith was one of the few Episcopalian American bishops to oppose same-sex marriages. After the General Convention of the Episcopal Church approved rites of marriage for LGBTQ couples in 2015, Smith said that he could not "in good conscience" allow same-sex marriages in his diocese.[3]

Personal life

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Smith is married to the Rev. Lisa White Smith, also an Episcopal priest.[1] The couple have three grown children and eight grandchildren.[1][2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Bishops of North Dakota – Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota". www.ndepiscopal.org. Retrieved 2016-03-28.
  2. ^ a b c "The Rt. Rev. Michael G. Smith, D.Min". bishopsnativecollaborative.com/. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
  3. ^ Glass-Moore, Adrian (July 23, 2015). "Head of ND Episcopal Church says he cannot "in good conscience" allow gay marriages". The Bismarck Tribune. Retrieved January 10, 2021.
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