Bishop Marc Andrus Biography, Age, Family & Career in 2025
Marc Andrus is a leader who connects faith, science, and social justice. He’s known for his calm spirit and strong support for protecting the environment. For many years, he has guided people to live with more kindness and care for the world around them.
From his early days in the green hills of Tennessee to speaking at the United Nations, Bishop Marc Andrus has lived a life focused on service, equality, and bringing different faiths together.
Even after retiring in 2024 as the Eighth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California, he continues to be an important voice in both church and environmental work. His story isn’t about titles or fame, it’s about steady purpose, humble leadership, and inspiring others to make a positive difference.
Who is Marc Andrus?
Marc Handley Andrus is a retired Episcopal bishop, writer, and advocate for climate action and social justice. Born on October 20, 1956, in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Over the years, he became one of the most recognizable voices in the Episcopal Church, representing faith at global climate summits and working on causes from racial reconciliation to environmental reform.
He is often mistaken for actor Marc Andrus, but this Marc Andrus belongs to the pulpit, not the screen. He served as Bishop of California from 2006 until his retirement in 2024, guiding over 24,000 members across the Bay Area. His leadership was known for its openness and steady focus on justice values that continue to shape his post-retirement work.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marc Handley Andrus |
| Date of Birth | October 20, 1956 |
| Age (2025) | 68 years old |
| Birthplace | Oak Ridge, Tennessee, USA |
| Occupation | Episcopal Bishop, Author, Climate Advocate |
| Years Active | 1987–Present |
| Known For | Episcopal leadership, environmental advocacy, interfaith peacebuilding |
Marc Andrus Personal Life and Family
Faith may fuel Marc Andrus, but family keeps him grounded. He is married to Dr. Sheila Andrus, a public health professional deeply involved in healthcare equity. Together, they’ve built a partnership rooted in mutual service. Her work in health advocacy complements his mission in spiritual and ecological justice.
The couple has two daughters, Chloé and Pilar, both of whom prefer to live private lives away from the public spotlight. Chloé has pursued a career in the arts, while Pilar has leaned toward policy and community work.
At home, Marc Andrus enjoys simple things like long walks, listening to classical music, and spending quiet evenings with his family. His love for nature is more than part of his work; it’s how he lives. Whether he’s hiking in the woods or listening to Bach, his daily life shows the same peace and balance he talks about in his sermons.
| Family Member | Role / Details |
|---|---|
| Wife | Dr. Sheila Andrus – Health equity leader |
| Daughter | Chloé – Artist |
| Daughter | Pilar – Policy and community advocate |
| Residence (2025) | Virginia, USA |
| Hobbies | Hiking, classical music, writing, gardening |
Early Life and Education
Marc Andrus grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, a place known for both science and natural beauty. His father, Francis Andrus, worked in the nuclear field, and his mother, Mary Frances, cared for the home and family. As a child, Marc loved hiking and exploring nature, and those early experiences inspired his lifelong passion for protecting the environment.
Marc Andrus started his education in Plant Science at the University of Tennessee, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1979. There, he learned how living systems connect with each other, a lesson that later shaped his views on faith and creation. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Social Sciences from Virginia Tech in 1982. During that time, he worked on community planning and environmental projects, helping coastal towns deal with floods and other local challenges.
In 1984, Andrus felt called to ministry and entered the Virginia Theological Seminary, where he earned his Master of Divinity in 1987. That mix of science, social insight, and faith shaped his future calling: a ministry that connects care for people with care for the planet.
| Degree | Institution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| B.S. in Plant Science | University of Tennessee | 1979 |
| M.S. in Social Sciences | Virginia Tech | 1982 |
| Master of Divinity | Virginia Theological Seminary | 1987 |
Career Highlights: From Ordination to Episcopal Leadership
Ordination and Early Ministry
Marc Andrus became a deacon in 1987 and a priest in 1988 in the Episcopal Church. His first major job was as a chaplain at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, from 1990 to 1997. He guided students in faith, encouraged open discussions, and taught the importance of kindness and service.
In 1997, he became the rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Middleburg, Virginia. People there knew him for his warm sermons, community work, and genuine care for others. Parishioners remember him as a pastor who truly listened and helped people feel seen and supported.
Rise to Episcopal Leadership
In 2002, Marc Andrus became the Suffragan Bishop of Alabama, a role he held until 2006. During that time, he led youth programs, supported environmental efforts, and helped start the Jonathan Daniels Pilgrimage, an annual walk honoring civil rights heroes and promoting peace and racial justice.
His work in Alabama prepared him for his next step. In 2006, he was elected Bishop of California after a close vote supported by both clergy and church members. For the next 18 years, Bishop Marc Andrus became known for his progressive leadership, standing up for LGBTQ+ inclusion, racial equality, healthcare for all, and climate protection.
He officially retired in July 2024, passing the diocesan leadership to Bishop Austin Rios. Yet retirement didn’t silence him it simply gave him new freedom to write, mentor, and continue his advocacy from Virginia.
| Position | Years |
|---|---|
| Chaplain, Episcopal High School | 1990–1997 |
| Rector, Emmanuel Church | 1997–2002 |
| Suffragan Bishop of Alabama | 2002–2006 |
| Bishop of California | 2006–2024 |
Awards and Achievements
Marc Andrus has been recognized both in the U.S. and internationally for his faith-based work in social and environmental justice. He shows how faith and action can work together to create real change in the world.
Key Achievements:
- Represented the Episcopal Church at four United Nations Climate Conferences (COP21–COP24) from 2015 to 2018.
- Joined the Standing Rock protests in 2016 to support Indigenous groups protecting their land and water.
- Led over 50 green audits in California churches to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
- Helped rebuild St. Luke’s Hospital after earthquake damage, linking faith with community health care.
- Served on boards such as the Episcopal Impact Fund and American Bach Soloists, combining his love for faith, justice, and the arts.
- Wrote two respected books: Brothers in the Beloved Community (2021) and Stations of the Cosmic Christ (2018).
Marc Andrus has also spoken at major events like the Parliament of the World’s Religions and worked with global spiritual leaders such as Thich Nhat Hanh and Matthew Fox. His career reflects his belief that faith should bring people together through love and understanding.
For another look at a public figure who values both career and family, read about Eric Weinberger wife and their life together.
Luxury Lifestyle and Assets
Even with his well-known career, Marc Andrus lives a simple life. His net worth comes mainly from his years of church service and book earnings, not from luxury spending.
He and his wife now live in Virginia, enjoying a quiet life close to nature. Their home also serves as a place for writing and reflection. Although he still travels sometimes for talks and church events, Marc Andrus prefers a modest lifestyle, choosing to support good causes instead of spending on comfort or luxury. His lifestyle matches his message: stewardship over excess, generosity over gain.
| Asset Type | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Residence (Virginia) | $600,000–$700,000 |
| Savings & Investments | $300,000+ |
| Book Royalties (Lifetime) | $200,000+ |
| Other Income Sources | Modest honorariums, board stipends |
Marc Andrus Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Marc Andrus’s estimated net worth ranges between $1 million and $2 million. His primary earnings have come from his years of service as a bishop, supplemented by writing, public speaking, and modest board work.
Marc Andrus has never cared much about wealth. His net worth is modest and reflects a life of responsibility and service. For him, success isn’t about how much you own, it’s about how much good you do.
| Source | Annual Estimate |
|---|---|
| Episcopal Diocese Salary | Up to $150,000 |
| Pension & Retirement Benefits | Around $50,000 |
| Book Royalties | $20,000–$30,000 per year |
| Speaking & Advisory Fees | $10,000 annually |
Philanthropy and Community Impact
Marc Andrus has always believed that faith should lead to action. Throughout his career, he has supported many charitable projects focused on climate justice, poverty relief, education, and healthcare.
He helped launch programs that provided solar energy to churches and community centers, reducing costs and carbon emissions. Under his guidance, the Diocese of California partnered with local nonprofits to support homeless outreach, immigrant families, and youth leadership programs.
Even after retirement, Andrus continues to work with organizations that promote environmental awareness and social equity. He donates book proceeds and speaking fees to causes that align with his mission of protecting creation and uplifting vulnerable communities.
For Marc Andrus, philanthropy isn’t just about giving money, it’s about building hope and creating lasting change through compassion and collaboration.
Future Plans and Goals
In 2025, Marc Andrus is still under a temporary Title IV suspension by the Episcopal Church, part of a review and counseling process that began in 2024. He has faced this time with honesty and humility, focusing on spiritual healing and personal growth.
Looking ahead, he plans to keep writing about eco-theology, interfaith work, and climate ethics. He also mentors young clergy and environmental leaders who continue the work he started.
As he wrote recently, “Even in rest, purpose breathes.” It captures his way of living, always learning, growing, and seeking deeper understanding.
Final Thoughts
Marc Andrus’s life shows a steady balance between faith and science, action and reflection. Through his work in the Episcopal Church, he showed that true faith means walking with the world, not standing above it.
He’s still a respected voice in talks about climate change, spirituality, and interfaith peace. His books and example continue to inspire both church members and people who see caring for the planet as a sacred duty.
At 68, Bishop Marc Andrus reminds us that real leadership is built on empathy and service. His legacy isn’t about fame or wealth, it’s about the many lives he has inspired and guided.
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Mamie I. Hernandez is a pop culture enthusiast and researcher with a keen eye for uncovering the stories behind the stars. At CelebsBrief.com, she specializes in crafting engaging celebrity biographies and breaking down net worth insights, all with clarity and accuracy. When she’s not diving into the lives of Hollywood’s biggest names, Mamie enjoys exploring trends in media, fashion, and entertainment.
