Bishop DeDe Duncan-Probe

The Rt. Rev. Dr. DeDe Duncan-Probe was elected on August 6, 2016, and consecrated as the 11th Bishop of Central New York on December 3, 2016. The Diocese of Central New York comprises nearly 80 parishes and stretches from Canada in the north to Pennsylvania in the south and from Utica in the east to Elmira in the West.

Bishop DeDe is a person of deep faith for whom contemplative prayer and meditation are essential. Her ministry is rooted in encouraging others to grow in faith, actively supporting diocesan clergy to live into the fullness of their vocations, working collaboratively to ensure a safe and sustainable culture of mutual respect in the diocese and promoting and celebrating vitality among small church communities. Curiosity and learning are core values for Bishop DeDe and as a former educator, she is particularly gifted in and passionate about faith formation and offering tools and information that support people developing a sustaining relationship with God. To that end, in 2023, she launched “Speaking of Faith,” a podcast which aims to create a safe space for people to consider their faith and grow in confidence to speak about faith in their lives.

Since 2019, Bishop DeDe has served as President of Province II and a member of the Presiding Bishop’s Council of Advice. In 2018, Presiding Bishop Michael Curry appointed her to chair the planning committee facilitating the House of Bishop’s Service of Lament and Repentance for sexual abuse, exploitation, and harassment that was held during the 2018 General Convention. She has served on various committees, including as co-Chair of the General Convention task force for Building Community Across Difference and currently as  Chair of the Committee for Safety, Wellness & Mental Health. 

Before entering ordained ministry, Bishop DeDe had a successful career in education and business. As an educator, she taught in public and private schools, including two years working with inner-city at-risk youth in Los Angeles, California, and as adjunct faculty at the Virginia Theological Seminary from 2013-2016. In 1994, she and her husband co-founded a consulting firm, CA AeroComm Corporation, where she continues to serve as Vice President. 

She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Stephen F. Austin State University, a master’s degree in psychology from Pepperdine University, a Master of Divinity degree from The General Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in theology from The Graduate Theological Foundation, completed at Oxford University. She and her husband, Chris Probe, have three college-aged children. Bishop DeDe enjoys golfing, hiking, music, snowshoeing, tennis, pickleball, and the culinary arts. 

Images of Bishop Duncan-Probe

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