The Rev. Cn. Wilmot Merchant Elected Suffragan Bishop in Liberia
We have unexpected, yet joyful, news to share. On Friday, March 13, during the 90th Annual Convention of The Episcopal Church of Liberia, the Reverend Canon Wilmot Merchant II—rector of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in North Myrtle Beach—was elected as one of two suffragan bishops for two dioceses in Liberia. His nomination came from the floor on the day of the election and the Reverend Canon Michael Sie was also elected. The election is pending confirmation by the House of Bishops of the Anglican Church of the Province of West Africa.
Bishop Ruth Woodliff-Stanley shared her response to the news. “I rejoice for the Episcopal Church of Liberia and for Canon Wilmot and his family,” said Bishop Woodliff-Stanley. “While we will hate to lose Canon Wilmot from St. Stephen’s and our diocese, we know the Holy Spirit calls us ever onward, sometimes when we least expect it. I give thanks for Canon Wilmot’s outstanding ministry at St. Stephen’s and in the diocese and look forward to supporting St. Stephen’s as they prepare to conclude such a strong season of ministry.”
Suffragan Bishop-elect Merchant has been a part of the ministry of St. Stephen’s, North Myrtle Beach since 1999, when he was called to serve part-time as director of Christian education by the church’s previous rector. After that priest retired in 2001, the congregation voiced their support for Father Merchant, and he was officially installed as the third rector of St. Stephen’s in August 2002.
A native of Liberia, West Africa, he has maintained close ties to the country while serving in the Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina. In May 2023, he was appointed liaison to The Episcopal Church of Liberia by the Right Reverend James B. Sellee, Bishop of Liberia, and he was also recognized as a canon in his native diocese.
He has also been faithfully involved as a leader in our diocese, serving in a number of roles including his current positions as dean of the Pee Dee–Waccamaw Deanery and as a member of the Standing Committee. He also serves the wider church as a member of the Executive Council of The Episcopal Church.
Further details will be provided as soon as they are available. Please keep the Merchant family, as well as the congregation and leadership of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in North Myrtle Beach and the Episcopal Church in Liberia, in your prayers as we transition into this new season. Suffragan Bishop-elect Merchant shared the news with his congregation earlier this week and announced his intention to remain with St. Stephen’s through the end of this year, when he will officially retire as rector. He is currently on sabbatical, but now plans to return to his parish in mid-April.