Bishop Lee is slated to serve a two-year, half-time term as bishop provisional of the Diocese of Milwaukee, the Rev. Scott Leannah, president of the Milwaukee Standing Committee, announced earlier today.

Lee will begin his ministry on April 1 as the provisional bishop designee. A convention to elect him as bishop provisional is tentatively scheduled for June. Bishop Steven Miller, who has served as bishop of Milwaukee since 2003, will retire on December 31 after a terminal sabbatical.

“On behalf of the Standing Committee, I’d like to express our enthusiasm and readiness to work with Bishop Jeff Lee in this season of our common life together,” Leannah said. “His love for the gospel, dedication to the church, and knowledge of congregational and diocesan ministry will be a blessing and gift for us during this time of transition and new life,”

After taking a few months off following his retirement on December 31, Lee will also teach liturgy courses at Episcopal Divinity School at Union Theological Seminary in New York City and Sewanee, the School of Theology at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. He and his wife, Lisa Rogers Lee, will continue to live in Chicago, where she maintains a voice studio.

“When I announced my retirement, the Presiding Bishop assured me that there would be lots of ways I might be helpful to the wider church,” Bishop Lee said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to enjoy retirement while continuing to teach and help out in Milwaukee as they enter an extended time of transition. But first, I’m looking forward to a few months to reflect, spend time with my family, and perhaps even travel if the pandemic allows.”

The Diocese of Chicago will host via Zoom a farewell party for the Lees on December 5. Learn more and register online.