The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens was elected and consecrated on June 30, 2007 as bishop suffragan. She joins the Rt. Rev. Andrew D. Smith, diocesan bishop, and the Rt. Rev. James E. Curry, senior suffragan bishop, to serve the Diocese of Connecticut.
Biography
Laura Ahrens received a B.A. in geology and geophysics from Princeton University in 1984; a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Yale Divinity School/Berkeley Divinity School in 1991; and a Doctorate of Ministry (D.Min.) from Hartford Seminary in 2000 (the theme of her doctoral work was “Engaging a Generation, Adult Education for Baby Boomers”). She was ordained as a priest in 1992.
Laura served as curate at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Osterville, MA (1991-1993); served as associate rector at Trinity Episcopal Church in Concord, MA (1993-1995); and served as associate rector at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Darien, CT (1995-2000). She has served as a member on the Bishop and Diocesan Executive Council and was a part of the design team that articulated the theme “God’s People on Mission.” She served as well on the Diocesan Stewardship Committee. Presently, Laura is serving the diocese as a member of the Standing Committee, a member of Committee I (Priesthood), a member of the Program and Budget Committee, and as secretary of Diocesan Convention.
From 2000 to 2007, Laura served as rector of St. James’ Episcopal Church in Danbury, CT. She worked with the city of Danbury in creating the Overflow Homeless Shelter, began a relationship in her parish with Habitat for Humanity, and strengthened her parish’s relationship with Covenant to Care. She is also currently an associate of SSJE (Society of St. John the Evangelist).
Oct. 15, 2008: Bishop Ahrens received an honorary doctorate from Berkeley Divinity School at Yale, during the Annual Convocation. Text of citation here.
Areas of Ministry: Deacons, marriage judgements (see marriage page), ecumenical, college ministries, anti-racism, aging, urban ministry, ministry in higher education, and chaplaincies.
Committees & Organizations:
Aging & Life Planning
Anti-Racism Task Force
Young Adult Network
Commission on Ministry, Committee for the Diaconate
Mission Development Fund
Prison Ministry Network
Retired Clergy Association
Social Concerns & Witness
Shared Ministries: Visitations, confirmations, ordinations, celebrations of new ministry, pastoral care and parish consultations
Contact:
The Rt. Rev. Laura J. Ahrens, lahrens@ctdiocese.org, 860-233-4481, ext. 109
The position of administrative assistant to Bishop Ahrens is open (as of Feb. 15). If interested please send resume to Bishop Ahrens at contact above, or mail or fax, 1335 Asylum Ave, Hartford CT 06105; fax: 860-523-1410.
The ministry of deacons, including formation, placement, ongoing education, is overseen by Bishop Ahrens, working with the archdeacon.
The Ven. Donald Richey, archdeacon
Phone: (cell) 860-685-1278, email: drichey@ctdiocese.org
