06/11/2013

Southern Ohio Synod Elects New Bishop: The Rev. Suzanne Dillahunt

The Rev. Suzanne Darcy Dillahunt, Marysville, OH, was elected June 8 to a six-year term as bishop of the Southern Ohio Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Dillahunt was elected on the fifth ballot during the synod assembly June 6-8 in Springfield, OH.

During the election process, The Rev. Dillahunt said, “I want us to work together as God’s people called to proclaim the good news of the risen Christ in word and action in this synod.” She also shared, “This is an exciting time to be the church and an awesome call to share our faith and proclaim the good news of the Gospel.”

Dillahunt will be installed on October 26.

Dillahunt was elected to the Office of Bishop on the fifth ballot with 226 votes to 217 votes for the Rev. Dr. James Wilson, pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church,Worthington,OH.

Dillahunt has served for the past 16 years as assistant to the bishop of the ELCA Southern Ohio Synod. Prior to becoming assistant to the bishop, Rev. Dillahunt served as pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Eaton, OH; Associate pastor at Peace Lutheran Church, Gahanna, OH and pastor at Faith in Christ Lutheran Church, Springfield, OH.

She earned a degree in Political Science and Sociology at the University of Arizona and completed her Master of Divinity degree at Trinity Lutheran Seminary, Columbus,OH in 1986.

Dillahunt is married to The Rev. Brian Dillahunt, who is pastor of First English Lutheran Church in Lancaster, OH. They have one son, Nathaniel, who is a student at Wittenberg University.