Bishop George Sumner is pleased to announce that, with the approval of the Diocesan Convention and Standing Committee, he appoints the Rt. Rev. Michael Smith as Assistant Bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas. After 15 years, Smith has retired from serving as bishop of the Diocese of North Dakota. For the last two years, Smith had been assisting the Dallas diocese during the Easter season. The appointment means he is now fully part of our diocese.

Smith said he is excited to serve in Dallas. “The relationships we’ve built over the past two years have been very positive and I’m glad to be able to continue to assist Bishop Sumner and serve alongside the good clergy and people of this Diocese,” he said.

Smith has a permanent residence in Minnesota, but will live and work in Dallas part-time. He is currently serving in Dallas until June 2, and has plans to return in September to present at the Deacon’s Retreat, and will be in Dallas from October 13 to November 10. 

A native of Oklahoma, Smith said that working with the parishes, priests and laity in Texas is a good fit. “I believe the Diocese of Dallas has been blessed with some unique gifts for the expansion of Christ’s Reign and I’m eager to see what God has in store for us as we engage together in the Church’s mission of worship, service, and evangelism.” 

He is married to the Rev. Lisa White Smith, who is a priest in the Minnesota diocese. They have three children and nine grandchildren.