The Right Reverend Matthew D. Cowden is the eighth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of West Virginia. Consecrated in 2022, he is currently leading a renaissance in his Episcopal diocese as he shepherds his flock to follow God’s call to double the number of baptized Episcopalians in the state by 2033. With family roots in West Virginia, Bishop Cowden was born and raised in northern Virginia. With undergraduate and graduate degrees in theater arts he had an early career as a college theater professor. Eventually following his lifelong call to ordination, he received his Master in Divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained in 2006. Bishop Cowden has served both urban and rural congregations in his ministry as a priest. Before coming to West Virginia, he has lived and worked on both coasts and in the Midwest including life in Florida, California, Virginia, and Indiana. He has served as a Congregational Development leader and trainer and has served on various boards and committees of The Episcopal Church including Executive Council. In 2024 he was awarded the honor of a Doctor of Divinity degree by his Alma Mater, Virginia Seminary. He continues to promote Church growth, healthy functioning for church systems and church leaders, and seeks to administrate his diocese through his primary role as a prayerful pastor. For over 30 years Bishop Cowden has been married to Melissa Cowden, his best friend and partner in ministry. They have three young-adult children living in various parts of the country. Bishop Cowden loves hiking, running, making memorable meals, folklore, and storytelling. He follows contemplative prayer practices in both silent listening and in acts of joyful dancing. At his first international gathering of Anglican bishops at the Lambeth Conference he was fondly referred to as “the dancing bishop” for his love of movement in worship.
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