Biographical Information

FOR THE RIGHT REVEREND KEITH LYNN ACKERMAN

VIII BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF  QUINCY , ILLINOIS

Keith Lynn Ackerman was born in McKeesport , Pennsylvania August 3, 1946. On August 19, 1967 he married Joann Bevacqua. They have three children: Keith, Renée and Lynne Mary.

He earned a B.S. in Psychology from Marymount College in Salina , KS in 1971 while working at the St. Francis Boys Home. He went on to receive a M.Div. from Nashotah House Seminary, Wisconsin , in 1974 and a D.D. from the same institution in 1994. Ordained to the Diaconate in 1974, he was ordained to the Sacred Priesthood the same year in Long Island by Bishop Davidson.

He served as a Curate at the Church of the Transfiguration in Freeport , New York from 1974-1976, and in 1976 was called to be Rector of St. Mary's Church, Charleroi , Pennsylvania in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. There he established five outreach ministries for the unemployed and a Christian Counseling Service. He served as President of the Charleroi Clergy Association and was awarded the distinguished "Christian Associates Ecumenical Award" of Western Pennsylvania as a result of his involvement in union labor and management negotiations which resulted in saving a steel-related business. He founded St. Elizabeth Chapel in Bentleyville, and was presented the Bishop of Pittsburgh's award. Active in Diocesan life, he served as President of the Standing Committee and as Deputy to General Convention. Much of his ministry in Pennsylvania , involved working with the unemployed. An active leader of retreats, he taught in several institutions including Chichester Theological College in Chichester , England and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania .

In 1989 Father Ackerman was called to be Rector of St. Mark's Church in Arlington , Texas in the Diocese of Forth Worth. There he served as president of the Ministerial Association and was presented the "Minister of the Year" award. In the Diocese of Forth Worth he served as a member of a number of committees, including President of the Standing Committee.

Keith Lynn Ackerman was elected Eighth Bishop of the Diocese of Quincy on January 8, 1994, and was consecrated June, 24, 1994 at St. Paul 's Cathedral in the see city of Peoria .

He is author of several articles and books including his most recent publication To God be the Glory a book written by the Bishop and his wife, Joann.

 return to TOP

Honors and Awards

• 1994    Doctor of Divinity, Nashotah House Seminary
• 1993    Minister of the Year Award, presented by the Arlington Ministerial Association.
• 1989    St. George's Award, the Church's Award for extraordinary service in Scouting.
• 1988    The Bishop's Award for extraordinary service to the Church (given by the Bishop of Pittsburgh, The Rt. Rev. Alden M. Hathaway).
• 1987    "Father of the Year," named by the Mon Valley Independent newspaper.
• 1984    The Ecumenical Award, given by Christian Associates of Southwest Pennsylvania for excellence in local ecumenism. The award was partly related to a successful mediation in a labor union and management dispute.

 return to TOP

Organizations and Positions Held and Related Activities:

International

• Tour Leader to the Holy Land : 1987, 1988, 1989, 1992, 1995, 1997 and 1999; England 2005.
• Lecturer and Chaplain for International Evangelism Conference for the Anglican Institute: Chichester Theological College: 1990. 1991.
• Member, International Bishop's Conference

National

• Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, 1997-2003
• Interim Body for the Episcopal Church: The State of the Church, 1992-1994.
• Eastern Asian Strategic Task Force (Asian Anglican Ministry), 1974-1976.
• Ministry Committee, The General Convention of the Episcopal Church, 1991, 1994, 1997.
• Retreat and Conference Leader: Schools of Prayer, Retreats, Liturgy, and Ascetical Theology: held for various dioceses, parishes, religious orders, and seminaries.
• Episcopalians United for the Three R's (The Revelation of God, the Renewal of the Church and the Reformation of Society) 1987-1989; Advisory Board Member- 1990-Present
• Patron, Prayer Book Society, 1994-Present
• Forward in Faith/ North America (a.k.a. Episcopal Synod of America), 1989-Present
• Board Member, American Anglican Council 1996-2002
• Association of Diocesan Liturgy and Music Commissions,1981-1987
• Pi-Kappa-Phi Fraternity, 1990-Present
• Order of the Arrow (Boy Scouts of America ) "Brotherhood," 1987-Present
• Bishop Visitor, Benedictine Community of Christ the King, Chicago , IL 2000-Present
• Patron, Society of King Charles the Martyr, 2001-Present
• Superior General, Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament 1994-Present
• Bishop Protector, Poor Clares, Mount Sinai , New York 1994-1998
• Honorary Guardian, Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, Norfolk , England 1996-Present

Diocese of Forth Worth

• Missions Committee, 1991-1994
• Secretary, Nominating Committee for Bishop Coadjutor, 1991
• President, Standing Committee 1993-1994
• Secretary, Standing Committee 1991-1992
• Chairman, Evangelism Committee 1990-1994
• Board of Directors, Camp Crucis 1989-1993
• Examining Chaplain, 1990-1994
• Deputy to General Convention, 1991
• Session Leader for Camp Crucis, 1990-1993

Diocese of Pittsburgh

• Standing Committee, 1985-1989
• Chairman of Worship Department, and Master of Ceremonies, 1985-1989; member 1977-1989
• Architectural Committee, 1987-1989
• Deputy to General Convention, 1988
• Alternate to General Convention, 1985
• Confessor, Diocesan Clergy Conference, 1983-1987
• Retreat Leader, 1976-1989
• Episcopal Clergy Association, 1978-1980; Vice-President 1979-1980
• Chaplain, California University of Pennsylvania, 1981-1989
• Committee on Canons, 1982-1985
• Spiritual Formation Director, Diaconate Program, 1983-1987
• Cathedral Chapter, 1979-1982
• Board of Examining Chaplains, 1979-1982
• Lecturer  in  Ascetical  Theology for Diocesan Training Program, 1988-1989
• Family Life Commission, 1982-1989
• Ecumenical Department, 1982-1989
• Co-Convenor for the Evangelical and Catholic Mission , 1978-1980
• Clergy Salary Committee, 1979-1984
• Youth Department, Board of Directors, 1976-1979; 1982-1984

Diocese of Long Island

• Youth Department, Board of Directors, 1975-1976

Diocese of Milwaukee

• Chaplain, Mendota State Hospital (adolescent girls), 1971

Diocese of Western Kansas

• Delegate to Diocesan Convention, 1969-1971
• Resolutions Committee, 1969-1970
• Lay Reader in Charge  with License  to Preach,  various Missions, 1969-1971
• Treasurer and Vestryman, Church of the Holy Apostles, Ellsworth , Kansas

Diocese of Pittsburgh prior to Seminary

• Junior Warden and Vestryman, St. Mary's Church, 1967-1968
• Acolyte Master and Treasurer, St, Mary's Church, 1966-1968
• President, Diocesan Senior Episcopal Young Churchmen, 1963-1964; ex-officio, 1964-1965

 return to TOP

Professional Societies

• Academy of Christian Therapists, 1982-1988
• Kansas Psychological Association, 1970-1974

Devotional Societies

• Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, 1972-Present
• Society of Mary, 1981-Present
• Society of Our Lady of Walsingham, 1976-Present
• Order of St. Luke, 1981-1990
• Guild of All Souls, 2000- Present
• Society of King Charles the Martyr, 2000-Present

return to TOP
 

Religious Orders

• Society of the Holy Cross (SSC), 1979-Present
• Local Vicar, Our Lady of Walsingham Chapter, 1991-1994
• Society of St. Francis, Third Order, 1968-1992
• Convenor, Long Island Fellowship, 1974-1976
• Novice Counselor, 1974-1786
• Area Chaplain for N.Y. State , Long Island and New Jersey , 1974
• Area  Chaplain  for  Western  Penn., Ohio and West Virginia, 1977-1988
• Convenor, Pittsburgh Fellowship, 1976-1988
• Franciscan Order of the Divine Compassion- Transferred from SSF to the FODC, 1992; Minister   General and Bp. Protector, 1994-Present
• Bishop Visitor- Benedictines of Christ the King (Chicago/ Australia ), 1999-Present

 return to TOP

Publications

• Ackerman, K.L. and Ackerman, Joann (2001) To God be the Glory: Growing towards a Healthy Church , Book and CD Rom, Dovetracts Publications.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1994-Present) Numerous articles for the Diocesan Newspaper "The Harvest Plain"
• Ackerman, K.L. (1993) Liturgy- The Work of the People: A guide to the Eucharist, DoveTracts Publications.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1992) Why We do what We Do: A manual on the Eucharist, Tract, Dovetracts Publications.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1991) The Pastor as Evangelist, Audio tape, Anglican Institute.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1990) "The Pastor as Evangelist", Chichester Papers, Anglican Institute, Chichester England .
• Ackerman, K.L. (1990-1994) Monthly Column in the Arlington Daily News.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1989) "The Spiritual Life", Episcopalians United.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1988) "Ministry and Mission : The Christian Family", Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1988) "Biblical Authority", St. Luke's Parish, Baton Rouge , Louisiana .
• Ackerman, K.L. and Whalon, Pierre (1988) "The Suitability of the Proposed Supplemental Liturgical Rites", The Advocate, May 1988.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1986) Section entitled: "Salvation" in Gospel Conspiracy in the Episcopal Church, Morehouse-Barlow (member of Task Force which produced the document.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1985) "A Marriage Instruction Manual", The Diocese of Pittsburgh .
• Ackerman, K.L. (1983-1985) "From the Pulpit", weekly column in the Benworth Times.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1979) Wolves in Sheep's Clothing", an exposé of the Unification Church , Charleroi Area Clergy Association.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1979-1985) "Pastor's Parlor", a weekly column in the Bentleyville Courier.
• Ackerman, K.L. (1973) "Spiritual Counseling as a Function of Good will Industries", Goodwill Industries, Milwaukee , WI .
• Ackerman, K.L. and Ronald C. Force (1971) "Delinquent Boys aren't what they used to be: True or False?", Journal of the American Corrections Association, Proceedings of the 101st Annual Congress of the American Correctional Association.

Return to TOP

Community Activities

Peoria , IL

• Chaplain, Peoria Chiefs, Professional Baseball Team- Midwest "A" League, 1995-Present
• Race Relations Committee, 1994-1999
• Parents Board, Bradley University , 1996-2001

Arlington , TX

• President, Arlington Ministerial Association, 1991-1993
• Secretary, Arlington Ministerial Association, 1989-1991
• Board Member, "First Call for Help", 1990
• Arlington Independent School District- Project 2000, 1992
• Parent-Teachers Association, 1989-1994
• ADVO-Care, Inc., Forth Worth, 1991-1994

Charleroi , PA

• President, Charleroi Area Clergy Association, 1977-1981; 1983-1985 Treasurer, 1976-1977; Vice President, 1985-1989.
• Convenor, Mon Valley Clergy Association, 1979-1989
• Ethics Committee, Mon Valley Hospital, 1988-1989
• Little League Coach, 1979-1981
• Long-range Planning Committee, Curriculum Committee for Charleroi Area Schools, 1985, 1987
• Scholarship Committee, N.A.A.C.P., Mon Valley, 1982-1983
• Middle School Commission, Charleroi Area School Dist., 1978-1980
• Chaplain, Fallowfield Fire Department, 1978-1987
• Charleroi Area Chamber of Commerce, 1976-1989; Board Member, 1987-1989
• Parent Teachers Association, 1976-1989
• Founder and Board Member, Mon Valley Theater Assoc., 1987-1989
• Board Member, Metropolitan Area Library Assoc., 1978-1983
• Board Member, Mon Valley United Way, 1978-1981, 1988-1989
• Board Member, Christian Resource Ctr.- Richard Hatch Ministries, 1987-1989
• Founder and Board Member, Mid Mon Valley Christian Outreach, 1988-1989
• Vice President of Board, Valley Home Health Care, Inc., 1987-1990
• Charleroi Youth Council, 1977-1989

 return to TOP

Miscellaneous

• Tutor of Liturgics and Ascetical and Pastoral Theology, Duquesne University , School of Anglo-Catholic Studies, 1976-1989
• Confessor and Lecturer in Ascetical Theology, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Ambridge Pennsylvania, 1983-1985
• Substitute Television Host for THE HATCH! Television show, WPCB, Pittsburgh Area, 1987
• Substitute Radio Host and frequent Guest of The Richard Hatch Show, 101.5 FM, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 1966-1968
• Founder of Food, Clothing and Job Banks in Charleroi, Pennsylvania, 1980-1981

 return to TOP

Hobbies

• Family Oriented Activities
• Baseball: Pittsburgh Pirates, Texas Rangers, St. Louis Cardinals, Peoria Chiefs (Class A)
• Music
• Languages: English (main), Spanish, Italian, French and Swedish