Karin MacPhail

Karin Lee MacPhail is an American Episcopal bishop currently serving as the 7th Bishop of Southwestern Virginia.

Education

MacPhail holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and anthropology from the University of Texas and a Master of Divinity degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary.[1] She worked in publishing in New York City before studying for ordination.[2]

Career

From 2004 to 2005 MacPhail was the associate rector of St. Paul’s Memorial Church in Charlottesville, Virginia, and a chaplain at the University of Virginia. She then held various roles in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia, including as a camp chaplain and retreat leader.[1] She served as priest-in-charge and, later, rector of Christ Church in Millwood, Virginia, from 2010 to 2015, and as priest-in-charge then rector of St. Elizabeth's Church in Roanoke, Virginia, from 2017 to 2026.[1]

On January 31, 2026, MacPhail was elected to serve as the 7th Bishop of Southwestern Virginia, succeeding Mark Bourlakas.[3] Her consecration took place at St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke on June 13, 2026, in the presence of the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of America, Sean Rowe.[4][5][6]

Personal life

MacPhail is married to the Rev. Alexander MacPhail, an Episcopal priest,[2] with whom she has two children.[4]

References