Clergy

The Rt. Rev. Dorothy Sanders Wells, D. Min.

Eleventh Bishop of the Diocese of Mississippi

The Right Reverend Dorothy Sanders Wells, D. Min was ordained as the 11ᵗʰ Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi on July 20, 2024. A visionary leader and advocate for social justice, Bishop Wells brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role.

Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Bishop Wells pursued a successful career in law, practicing employee benefits law in Memphis with the FedEx Corporation and Waring Cox, PLLC. However, her true calling lay in ministry. She earned her Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary and a Doctorate in Ministry from Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

Prior to her appointment as Bishop of Mississippi, Dorothy served as the rector of St. George's Episcopal Church in Germantown, Tennessee. Her leadership at St. George's was marked by her commitment to fostering a welcoming and inclusive community, as well as her dedication to social justice initiatives.

Beyond her ministerial duties, Dorothy is a talented writer and essayist. Her work has been recognized for its thoughtfulness and insight, and her essays have been published in various outlets.

Bishop Wells is married to Herb Wells, and they have two daughters. Together, they are dedicated to serving their community and spreading the message of hope and love.

The Reverend William R. Boyles

Priest-in-Charge, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

The Reverend William R. Boyles has served as Priest-in-Charge of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church since October 2023. A native of Mississippi, William's journey in ministry began right here in the Diocese of Mississippi. After completing his theological studies at Virginia Theological Seminary, he returned home in 2020 to serve as a Curate at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Jackson. During his time there, he passionately led the Children and Family Ministries Program, cultivated a vibrant community of young adults, and adapted to the challenges and opportunities presented by hybrid and virtual ministry.

Following his tenure at St. Philip's, Fr. Boyles was called to serve as Associate Rector at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook, Alabama. Drawn to the parish's collaborative approach to leadership and ministry, he focused on nurturing Children and Family Formation through Bible Club and New Creation initiatives. He also established a Young Professionals Fellowship Group to ensure the church's continued vitality into the future.

A graduate of the Sally McDonell-Barksdale Honors College at the University of Mississippi (B.A., Religious Studies) and Virginia Theological Seminary (M.Div.), William is married to Natalie and they have a young daughter, Olivia, and a beloved Irish-doodle, Virginia. The Boyles family is delighted to be back in the Diocese of Mississippi and serving the St. Mark’s congregation.