Collaborative Diocesan Ministries

The Rev. Canon Dr. Sally French

The Reverend Canon Sally French, D.Min., currently serves as canon for regional ministry and collaborative innovation in the Diocese of North Carolina. In this role, she provides support to our congregations and worshiping communities across the Raleigh, Durham and Rocky Mount convocations, working to strengthen vitality and foster collaboration.

Raised in Toronto, Canada, Sally earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and History from Trinity College, University of Toronto, and a Master of Divinity degree from the Toronto School of Theology. Her Doctor of Ministry degree is from Virginia Theological Seminary, and her thesis focused on pilgrimage and adult formation practices in our tradition.

Sally was ordained to the priesthood in 2001 in the Diocese of Edmonton, Anglican Church of Canada. Prior to priestly ordination, she spent a year serving on the staff of St. George’s College, Jerusalem. In 2005, Sally and her husband moved to New York, where she served congregations in Staten Island, Northern New York and the Syracuse region before moving to North Carolina in 2011.

Before her call to serve on the bishop’s staff in the Diocese of North Carolina, Sally served in parish ministry. She has served congregations of all sizes and in a variety of capacities. In addition, she has served as president of the Standing Committee in the Diocese of North Carolina, as a deputy to the 80^th General Convention (2022) and as the curriculum developer for the revised Journey to Adulthood youth ministry program.

Sally has a passion for working with congregations and communities addressing conflict, discerning next steps and imagining holy possibilities. In her time as president of the Standing Committee, she initiated work to address systemic racism and bias. Sally has extensive experience of pilgrimage and serves as a leader for our diocesan Holy Land pilgrimages.

Sally is married to the Rev. Clarke French, rector of Church of the Holy Family, Chapel Hill. They have two children, Jack (age 16) and Libby (age 12), two dogs, and one elderly cat. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading and writing, walking, jogging and hiking.