Knightly News

As newly consecrated Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Bishop Shannon Duckworth spoke to Upper School students in Chapel, she related her own story of wanting to be an acolyte in the sixth grade. She advised students that, at the time, girls did not participate in this role. However, growing up in the church and hearing the call to ministry, Bishop Duckworth was determined, and in the seventh grade, she became an acolyte and served until high school graduation.

The first female bishop of the Louisiana Diocese shared this personal reflection with ease. “I want communities to know their bishop and what the office means as a shepherd,” she says. Part of that sometimes means discussing what it means to be the first female in the role in 180 years. Bishop Duckworth was ordained in 2001, and her first role as chaplain was at St. Andrews School in Jackson, Mississippi. She credits those who paved the way before her and numerous clergy and lay supporters for the trajectory her life of service has taken. Now, she looks forward to supporting young people with similar aspirations; however, there is so much more to her story than gender.

“My job as bishop is to make sure the table is big enough so that all feel welcome.”

Bishop Duckworth was all smiles as she sat crisscross applesauce among Episcopal PreK-3 students in religion class. As is traditionally the case with three year olds, students were eager to share and happy to participate in songs and readings. Bishop Duckworth and Father Skully Knight were clearly welcome among the littlest Knights.

This sense of community and spirit of welcoming others resonates with Bishop Duckworth. She views the Episcopal Church as a “big tent church” where everyone is welcome, and those with differing political beliefs can fit in, and the differences fall away. She points out that Episcopal church signs traditionally proclaim that all are welcome, an important tenet of the Episcopal identity that emanates from the Baptismal Covenant. Bishop Duckworth says that when respecting “the dignity of every human being is the starting point of all interactions, it changes how we interact with each other.” Bishop Duckworth’s message for those who may not feel welcome is simple. “As a church, we welcome you,” she says.

As Bishop Duckworth seeks to find opportunities for inclusion, she considers her role as someone who will hold and gently push forward the congregation. She has already reinstated the Episcopal Schools Commission to reinvigorate school connections and encourage a spirit of community. In the future, she hopes to expand the reach of the diocese to include more youth and young adults, members of the Latino community and an environmental focus.

“We’re going to meet them where they are.”

Episcopal schools are places where people from different perspectives and traditions show up and engage in the joyful process of learning. A sense of acceptance and community make an Episcopal school a special place to learn. “We encourage students to be themselves,” says Bishop Duckworth. “We identify, grow, nurture and support where your child is no matter what they’re struggling with. We’re going to meet them where they are.”

Through service-learning experiences, members of the Episcopal community meet and serve members of the Greater Baton Rouge community. Service learning is an important component of an Episcopal education, and Bishop Duckworth is pleased with Episcopal school’s efforts. “It gives kids an opportunity to see that they are connected to a community,” she says. “It raises awareness of others’ situations.” As the school service-learning program returns to pre-pandemic levels students and faculty will have ample opportunity to serve going forward.

“I’ve always had an adventurous spirit.”

Bishop Duckworth did not shy away from the opportunity to shoot hoops with the state runner-up Episcopal girls basketball team. She joined the Knights on the court and offered the team support and encouragement for the state championship game they played hours later. She was also pleased to observe LAUNCH presentation rehearsals in advance of LAUNCH Day. Bishop Duckworth was open to conversations with members of the Middle School Student Council and faculty on a range of topics, and she was attentive to those in her company.

In speaking with Bishop Duckworth and seeing her on the school campus, it’s no surprise that life has taken her from a young acolyte to the first female bishop in Louisiana. She says she’s always had an adventurous spirit, and she grew up encouraged to be independent. This combination means she never limited herself or the role she could play in the church she loves so much. It also makes her relatable and approachable to members of a school or an entire religious community.

Episcopal school appreciated the opportunity to welcome Bishop Duckworth to campus and the time she spent getting to know us. We look forward to many more opportunities to connect and grow together. 

Join us in welcoming Bishop Duckworth. Share a message with her in the comments section below.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2024-2025 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.