The Rev. William Coyne to Focus on Diocesan Role

The Rev. William Coyne will complete his work as the Priest-In-Charge of East Cooper Episcopal Church on August 31 and continue in his diocesan role as Missioner for Returning Congregations.

While to date, no specific timeline has been decided for the return of the parishes with the breakaway group to The Episcopal Church in South Carolina (TECSC), Bishop Skip Adams believes this transition will allow the Diocese to best prepare for the reconciliation.

“For two years, Bill Coyne has brought a great energy to East Cooper Episcopal Church, and for the past year, in his service as Diocesan Missioner for Returning Congregations, he has used his passion for congregational vitality and service to God’s people to help prepare the path to reconciliation in celebration of the parishes we hope to welcome back to our Diocese in the near future,” said Bishop Adams. “This transition will allow him to have more time, particularly on Sundays, to continue to develop teams and support systems around the Diocese necessary to ensure the successful reincorporation of churches and congregations to TECSC.”

Fr. Coyne welcomes the opportunity to devote more time to his diocesan role. "I'm thankful for the two years of ministry with the people of God at East Cooper; and I am joyfully enthusiastic about the future of the Diocese when the time comes for the return of the 29 congregations to deepen the Way of Love as we grow,” said Fr. Coyne. 

The East Cooper Mission Council will meet with Andrea McKellar, Diocesan Transition Ministry Officer, at their next meeting on July 31 to begin to assess needs and innovative options for future clergy leadership.