The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray

Denomination: The Episcopal Church (TEC)
Organization: Holy Innocents' Episcopal Church, Atlanta, GA

The Rev. Dr. Bill Murray is the 8th Rector of Holy Innocents Episcopal Church where he is recognized as a skilled preacher, teacher, and writer. More often he just enjoys being part of a community where is he is recognized at all.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Bill received his BA, magna cum laude, from The University of Memphis with majors in International Economics and English Literature in 1997. Following his undergraduate studies, he served as a full-time youth minister for five years at Grace-St. Luke's Episcopal Church. In working with youth, Bill decided he could handle general insanity and snarky commentary on his work so he pursued ordination to the priesthood. He went to Virginia Theological Seminary in Alexandria, Virginia receiving his Master of Divinity degree with honors in 2006.

He served as Rector at St. Elisabeth’s Episcopal Church in Bartlett, Tennessee. Working together with a smart, talented congregation, Bill managed to double the size of the church and build a new space for the congregation adjacent to the diocesan conference center. He then worked in Dallas at Saint Michael and All Angels, one of the largest and therefore chaotic Episcopal churches in America. He directed a staff of 56 hardworking souls and helped minister to the needs of Saint Michael Episcopal School and their 200 preschool children. A glutton for academic punishment, Bill completed his Doctor of Ministry at Sewanee – The University of the South in May 2017. His thesis was focused on René Girard, non-sacrificial atonement theory, and the Eucharist. Only ask him about it if you want a long and thoroughly dull conversation.

Bill and his wife, Jessie, have two sons, Moses (Mose) and Abraham (Abe). Jessie teaches Spanish to 3-year-olds through second graders at Holy Innocents. Mose and Abe attend Holy Innocents School. Mose loves Star Wars, violin, piano, theater, and swimming. Abe loves art, dance, life, and chatting with girls. All three are younger and much better looking than Bill.