James Edward Folts (born March 11, 1940) was bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas , serving from 1996 to 2006.
Early life and education
Folts was born on March 11, 1940, in San Antonio , Texas . He studied at Trinity University in San Antonio , after which he enrolled at the Virginia Theological Seminary from where he graduated with a Master of Divinity in 1965. He was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity from the Virginia Theological Seminary and the University of the South , respectively.
Ordained ministry
Folts was ordained deacon in July 1965 by Bishop Everett Holland Jones and then priest in January 1966 by Bishop Richard Earl Dicus . He married Sandra Pauline Johnston and together had two children, including Jonathan Folts who is the current Bishop of South Dakota .[ 1] He initially was in charge of St James' Church in Hebbronville, Texas , and Grace Church in Falfurrias, Texas until 1967.[ 2] In 1967 he became assistant rector of St Francis Church in Victoria, Texas and Trinity Church in Edna, Texas .[ 3] He also served in San Marcos, Texas and Brownsville, Texas . He was also rector of the Church of the Heavenly Rest in Abilene, Texas . he was also the founder of St Stephen's Church in Wimberley, Texas . Prior to his election, he was rector of St Mark's Church in San Antonio .[ 4]
Bishop
Folts was elected on the third ballot as coadjutor bishop of West Texas on October 2, 1993.[ 5] He was then consecrated on February 17, 1994, at the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium by Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning .[ 6] He then succeeded as diocesan bishop on January 1, 1996, and remained in office until his retirement in 2006.
References
Episcopal Clerical Directory 2015
^ "11th Bishop of South Dakota" , The Living Church , May 6, 2019. Retrieved on October 5, 2022.
^ "Ordinations" . The Living Church . 151 : 14. August 29, 1965.
^ "Appointments Accepted" . The Living Church . 155 : 22. November 5, 1967.
^ "West Texas Chooses One of its Own" . The Living Church . 207 : 7. October 24, 1993.
^ "People" , Episcopal News Service , October 7, 1993. Retrieved on October 5, 2022.
^ "West Texas Celebrated Bishop Coadjutor" . The Living Church . 208 : 10. March 13, 1994.