The Rt. Rev. Dr. Carol Gallagher Visit to Christ Church

The Rt. Rev. Dr. Carol J. Gallagher, Assistant Bishop

Bishop Carol J. Gallagher began as assistant bishop in the Diocese of Massachusetts on Feb. 1, 2023.

Prior to her appointment as assistant bishop, she served the diocese, since November 2018, as a regional canon, providing transition ministry with congregations and clergy involved in search processes for new ordained leadership, along with lay leadership development and clergy wellness support for the congregations of the diocese’s Central Region.

Bishop Gallagher, who is an enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation, previously served as assistant bishop in the Diocese of Montana, beginning in 2014, developing relationships with Native leaders and congregations there, educating and training clergy and lay leaders in issues of race, gender and inclusion, and leading the Task Force on Native Issues.

She brings a passion for training and formation for all the baptized and for using her skills in culture, leadership development, pastoral care, and faith and relationship to empower others.

She served for six years prior to her ministry in the Diocese of Montana as assisting bishop in the Diocese of North Dakota and for two years as assistant bishop in the Diocese of Newark.  She was ordained and consecrated bishop suffragan in the Diocese of Southern Virginia in 2002 and served there until 2005.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in writing and communications from Antioch College, a Master of Divinity degree from Episcopal Divinity School, a Master of Theology degree from Princeton Theological Seminary and a Ph.D. in urban affairs and public policy from the University of Delaware.

She is married to Mark Gallagher and has three daughters and three grandchildren.