[Church Publishing press release] Nationally recognized congregational development expert and former publisher of the Alban Institute Richard Bass has joined Church Publishing Incorporated (CPI) as a consulting editor, specializing in congregational development, church leadership, and the challenges and opportunities facing congregations today.

Bass served as Director of Publishing at Alban from 2002 until earlier this year. Prior to becoming Director of Publishing, he directed the development of the Congregational Resource Guide, a joint project of the Alban Institute and the Indianapolis Center for Congregations. He also worked for the reference publisher ABC-CLIO, the United States Catholic Conference, and the Practising Law Institute.

“Church Publishing is proud to be ‘the place where the conversations happen’ both within The Episcopal Church and ecumenically. Richard’s presence on our team strengthens and broadens our ability to live into that commitment,” said Nancy Bryan, CPI’s Editorial Director.

Mr. Bass remarked: “I am really looking forward to working with the fine team at Church Publishing. Nancy Bryan and Davis Perkins have pulled together a strong collection of editors producing resources and working on many of the most pressing issues facing congregations and the church today. I am grateful to be part of such an effort.”

Bass holds a bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Wesleyan University, Connecticut. He lives in Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife, Diana Butler Bass, and their daughter. They attend St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alexandria.  Mr. Bass can be reached at rbass@cpg.org.