Bishop's Office
The Executive Bishop is chief governor and leader of the General Church of the New Jerusalem (General Church). His role, like all of the clergy, is to teach the Lord's truth and show how that truth creates a good quality of life which leads to heaven.
The structure of the organization is Episcopal, but in a modified form. While the leadership comes from the bishop's office, vision, policies, and practices result from extensive discussions with the administrative team, the clergy as a whole and various lay boards, committees and councils. The bishop and his delegates oversee the clergy and congregations to provide for systematic worship and instruction for people of all ages. He is also responsible for overseeing the organization's business affairs; however, lay boards and members of the administration provide the expertise and practical experience to ensure that the functions of the church are well supported and developed.
New bishops are selected and nominated by the clergy, affirmed by the Board, then elected by the membership of the General Church. They usually serve approximately ten years in office.
The Executive Bishop and the Assistant Bishop visit congregations around the world to provide guidance and support.
The Rt. Rev. Thomas L. Kline is currently the Executive Bishop of the General Church.
Tom has been a General Church pastor for over 35 years. He began his work for two years as assistant to the pastor of the Washington DC Society, as well as serving as a visiting pastor in the Southeastern District. In 1975 he was called to the pastorate of the Atlanta Society, and continued as the southeastern visiting pastor from there. He moved to Bryn Athyn in 1981 to become assistant pastor, and was called to serve as pastor of the Bryn Athyn Society in 1996. He was ordained in to the third degree of the priesthood on November 30, 2003, and took office on July 1, 2004.
The Rt. Rev. Brian W. Keith is currently the Assistant Bishop of the General Church.
Brian has served as a General Church priest for over 32 years, in various capacities. He was pastor of the Sharon Church, Chicago, IL; The Immanuel Church in Glenview, IL; Bishop's Representative for the Midwest; dean of the Academy of the New Church Theological School; and principal of the Bryn Athyn Church School. He was ordained into the third degree of the priesthood on October 17, 2004, and took office on July 1, 2005.