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Bishop Appoints the Rev. Fred Thompson as Chaplain to Retired Clergy and Spouses

The Rev. Fred Thompson

Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley has appointed the Rev. Fred Thompson as Chaplain to Retired Clergy and Spouses for the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. In this role, Rev. Thompson will provide systematic and intentional support for retired clergy, their spouses, and surviving spouses. Working collaboratively with regional deans, he will convene a team of clergy from across the diocese to provide local pastoral support and assist him in the development of programs for retired clergy and spouses.

“I am grateful that Father Fred has graciously accepted my invitation to serve the diocese in this role,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “His experience, particularly as a hospital chaplain, will be especially helpful in providing pastoral care to beloved members of our diocese, while also creating opportunities for engagement and involvement.” 

The Chaplains to the Retired Program is a Church Pension Group (CPG) program designed for every diocese in The Episcopal Church. Each diocesan bishop is encouraged to appoint a Chaplain to the Retired, who provides important pastoral care and resources for retired clergy, their spouses, and surviving spouses in a variety of ways, including:

  • Providing local pastoral care and support for spouses and beneficiaries,
  • Hosting gatherings, and
  • Keeping in touch through regular communication.

From its inception, the program’s goal has been to promote wellness and a pastoral presence among clergy when they leave active ministry. The bishop’s appointment is for a two-year period.
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Reverend Thompson has been serving as interim priest-in-charge at St. Mark’s, Charleston since June 2021. He will complete his service at St. Mark’s on Sunday, July 30, to begin this part-time role. He will continue to serve as chaplain at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).