The Episcopal Church is saddened by the sudden death of Deacon Terry L. Star of the Diocese of North Dakota, a member of the Episcopal Church Executive Council and a seminarian at Nashotah House in Wisconsin.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori commented, “The Episcopal Church has been much blessed by the ministry of Deacon Terry Star, on Standing Rock, as a member of Executive Council, and through the many relationships he had built throughout the Church and beyond.  We give thanks for his life and witness, his prophetic voice, and his reconciling heart.  All his relatives are grieving, and we pray that his soul may rest in peace and his spirit continue to prod us all in continuing the ministry of healing we have from Jesus.”

The Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, said, “Terry was a dedicated and passionate deputy from the Diocese of North Dakota and member of Executive Council, a fierce advocate for the people of his beloved Standing Rock, and a loyal and faithful Episcopalian. He was also smart, witty, and a good pastor and friend. His death is an enormous loss for his family, the Cannon Ball community, the Episcopal Church, and all of us who served with him.”

Star, 40, was a member of the Executive Council Joint Standing Committee on Local Ministry and Mission. Among his church related activities, he was a youth minister for many years. He is survived by his parents Charlotte and Woodrow Star of Oregon.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

The Episcopal Church: www.episcopalchurch.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/episcopalian

Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamepiscopalian

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/EpiscopalChurchYT