In 2012, Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar was assigned to the New England Conference, which today includes more than 600 congregations in six states, committed to a vision of being “Transformed by the Holy Spirit…as we boldly proclaim Christ to the world.”
Sudarshana Devadhar was elected to the episcopacy at the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference in July, 2004. He served as the leader of the New Jersey Episcopal Area for eight years, where he led that conference to the first net gain in membership in 45 years.
Bishop Devadhar was born into a family of clergypersons and has been a follower of God all of his life. The name “Devadhar” means “follower of God.” Suda, as he is called, began his pastorate as a deacon at the Church of South India, Mercara Coorg, India. He holds a B.Com. degree from Vijaya College, University of Mysore, Mulki, India; a B.D., degree from United Theological College, Bangalore, India; a M.Th. degree from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University; and an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. from Drew University. Bishop Devadhar has a passion for encouraging the spirituality of youth and young adults, and has led numerous spiritual journeys to Taize in France with the youth in the New Jersey Conference. He embraces diversity and leads the church with joy and compassion. “I envision a Church of the Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit is igniting, gifting and empowering God’s children of all ages, backgrounds, colors and personalities to glorify their Creator as passionate witnesses for Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Devadhar. “Such a church does not merely serve the poor, the left out, the different, but welcomes them warmly into its hearts, homes, and worship.” He enjoys spending time with his family. His wife, Prema, is his partner in ministry and they are blessed with an adult daughter, Trina. Bishop Devadhar also enjoys reading and listening to devotional music. His key philosophies in life are to love everyone, every human being who is a child of God, enjoy God’s creation, and make use of it responsibly.
We are honored to be able to hear Bishop “Suda” preach in our own congregation on September 7th 2014. Please take this very special opportunity to join us in praising God!