[Episcopal Diocese of Kansas press release] Bishop Dean E. Wolfe on March 13 announced that the Rev. Torey L. Lightcap has been named canon to the ordinary for the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. His ministry will begin on May 1.

Lightcap, 42, currently serves as transitions officer for the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa and as rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Sioux City, Iowa.

In making the announcement Wolfe said, “Father Torey Lightcap brings an exceptional skill set and a faithful passion for diocesan work. Everyone who met him during the search process was impressed by his creativity, warmth and his many gifts for ministry. I know that he, his wife Jacqueline and their children will be a tremendous asset to our diocesan community. I can’t wait for the clergy and lay leaders of our diocese to meet Torey, and I look forward to continuing together the exciting work to which we are so passionately committed.”

As canon to the ordinary, Lightcap will have responsibility for clergy deployment, oversight of the ordination process, support for clergy and congregations, and administration of the diocesan office.

The bishop also offered his thanks to the Rev. George Wiley, canon pastor, and Dave Seifert, missioner for transitions, for their ministry during the period between canons. Both will continue in those positions, with final details on their scope to be determined.

Lightcap said of his new ministry, “It’s a privilege to be able to join in the work of the Episcopal Diocese of Kansas. I look forward to serving alongside Bishop Wolfe, the staff and the people of the diocese to further the work of witness to Christ in this time. This diocese is known and respected throughout The Episcopal Church for what it does and how it does it. Ministries here are as varied as they are enriching. God’s Spirit is truly present among the people of this land, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Lightcap is a 2004 graduate of the Episcopal Seminary of the Southwest in Austin, Texas. He received a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University and a master’s degree in mass communication from Oklahoma State University.

He also served parishes in Texas and Colorado before moving to Iowa in 2009. In addition, he is a writer, a three-time fellow of the College of Pastoral Leaders and an alumnus of the “Recasting of Building Assets” program of the Episcopal Church Building Fund.

He is married to Jacqueline Whitney Lightcap, a native of Topeka. They have two children, Gabriel, 10, and Annie, 7. Lightcap said he and his family are delighted to be returning to their area roots – his mother lives in Wichita, and his wife’s mother and grandmother live in Topeka.