Bishop Dorsey to stand down as Acting Bishop of Diocese

The Rt Rev Dorsey McConnell will stand down as Acting Bishop of the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney at the end of July, to return to the family home in New Hampshire in the United States to support his wife Betsy as she undergoes surgery and for the subsequent period of her recovery.

Bishop Ian Paton (pictured above right) will take over as Acting Bishop, while continuing as Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane.

Bishop Dorsey (pictured above left), the former Bishop of Pittsburgh, was appointed Assisting Bishop in the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney in May 2022 with a specific remit in Orkney and Shetland. He then became Acting Bishop on 1 November 2023, caring for the Diocese of Aberdeen & Orkney during Bishop Anne Dyer’s absence through suspension.

On his eventual return to Scotland, Bishop Dorsey will retain his commission as Assisting Bishop, offering support to the new Acting Bishop.