"The appointment of Mr. Perkins as publisher is an important and positive step in the implementation of our long-term strategic plan," said Sullivan. "He brings strong, long-term denominational publishing experience coupled with a knowledge of and passion for the kinds of materials we publish. His unique knowledge, skills, and experience are an excellent fit with the diversity of imprints that now make up Church Publishing Inc."

A denominational publisher, editor, and writer for 32 years, Perkins comes to CPI from the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation (PPC), where, for the past 13 years, he has served as president and publisher. PPC includes the imprints Westminster John Knox Press, Geneva Press, and The Thoughtful Christian.com. His previous positions include senior editor of Academic & Reference Books, Abingdon Press, and editor, Fortress Press.

Perkins has taught as adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt Divinity School, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, California State University-Chico, Hanover College, and the John F. Kennedy School in West Berlin. His writings have appeared in Scholars Press and St. Luke's Journal of Theology, and he has translated several books by noted German scholars into English. He is a graduate of Furman University, from which he holds a B.A. cum laude, and Vanderbilt University, from which he holds an M.A. in Theology and Philosophy, and a Ph.D. in Theology and Biblical Studies.

"I am genuinely enthused about this opportunity," said Perkins. "CPI is an organization on the brink of some extraordinary publishing prospects. I look forward to providing leadership at this critical time and to working with the talented publishing team already in place."

CPI, founded in 1918, is the official publisher of worship materials for the Episcopal Church and publications of the General Convention, as well as liturgical planning software and online services. An affiliate of the Church Pension Group, CPI also publishes books for the trade through its Seabury Publishing and Church Publishing imprints. In 2005, CPI acquired Morehouse Publishing, which offers books on spirituality, liturgy and worship, prayer, the Bible, theology, ethics, parish administration, and contemporary social issues, as well as a wide range of church resources; and Living the Good News, a lectionary-based curriculum publisher of faith formation programs and resources. The combination of these three companies has allowed CPI to provide integrated and expanded program resources, church supplies, educational materials, and books to the Episcopal Church and beyond.

For more information about CPI and to view title lists visit http://www.churchpublishing.org/ and http://www.morehousepublishing.org/.