The Right Rev. Bishop Rob Wright has appointed new deans for four convocations within the Diocese of Atlanta.

The Very Rev. Mary K. Erickson, Rector, The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Cartersville was appointed the dean of the Northwest Georgia Convocation. The Very Rev. Mary Erickson was ordained a priest in this Diocese in February 2005 and has served as the rector of The Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Cartersville since 2010.  She currently serves as a Consultant for parish transitions, a facilitator for the Diocese’s clergy leadership training program called Learning to Lead, and she is a certified Safe Church trainer. Dean Erickson has also served on the Diocese’s Budget and Stewardship Committees.  

The new dean of the Mid-Atlanta Convocation is The Very Rev. Arlette D. Benoit Joseph from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Atlanta. Benoit graduated from the General Theological Seminary in New York City, where she also earned her master’s degree in Divinity with a certificate in Spiritual Direction. In June 2013, Benoit was ordained to the priesthood in the Diocese of Atlanta.

The Very Rev. Lauren Kuratko from St. Martin in the Fields Episcopal Church was appointed the dean of the North Atlanta convocation. Kuratko grew up in Montgomery, Alabama and received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Religious Studies from Rhodes College in 2002. In 2005, she graduated from the Virginia Seminary.

The fourth appointment was The Very Rev. Brandon Duke, Rector, St. Julian’s Episcopal Church in Douglasville, to the Southwest Atlanta Convocation. Duke attended seminary at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He then attended Sewanee: The University of the South’s School of Theology to further develop his skills in pastoral care, liturgy, and community life.

The other six convocations within the Diocese of Atlanta are Chattahoochee Valley, East Atlanta, Marietta, Middle Georgia, Northeast Georgia, and Northeast Metro.  View the parishes in each convocation here