The Episcopal Diocese of

North Dakota



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Office of the Bishop

To the ND Episcopal Community,

With a broken heart, I write to let you know that Bishop Tom Ely, your Bishop Provisional from 2021-2023, died yesterday evening in Vermont.

When Bishop Ely concluded his ministry in North Dakota, he had already been diagnosed with cancer. He entered into a specialized treatment regimen, both medically and spiritually holistic, which by February of 2025 had stopped the cancer’s growth and spread. After three months rest from chemical treatment, test results revealed new activity. Early August brought confirmation that the disease had seriously worsened.

Here is Ann Ely’s note, from Bp. Tom's Caringbridge Page:

Dear Ones,

It is with great sadness that I let you know that Tom died last night. Our family has been together since Friday at a guest house in Ludlow, VT for the holiday weekend. Jennifer, Katherine, and I were together with with him at Rutland Hospital when he died. Surrounded by prayers, song, and incredible care from the doctors and nurses, Tom died peacefully. Because he had planned a green burial, this will take place soon at Christ Church in Guilford, Vermont. We will send updates here with details about the burial and the Celebration of Life arrangements. Thank you all for your prayers and love throughout this journey, your support brought Tom and our family such comfort.

With love and gratitude, Ann

We will let the Diocese know when a funeral and memorials are settled.

Tom Ely was a highly respected and beloved bishop of the Church. His memory will be a blessing. Especially to me.

The Rt. Rev. Brian Thom, Bishop Provisional

Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota

Office 701.235.6688 Cell 208.731.2782

bishopthom@ndepiscopal.org

The Diocese of North Dakota resides upon the traditional tribal homelands of the Arikara, Dakota, Hidatsa, Lakota, Mandan, Nakota, and Turtle Mountain Chippewa peoples.

O God of grace and glory, we remember before you this day our brother Tom. We thank you for giving him to us, his family and friends, to know and to love as a companion on our earthy pilgrimage. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see in death the gate of eternal life, so that in quiet confidence we may continue our course on earth, until, by your call, we are reunited with those who have gone before; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Book of Common Prayer, pg. 493