Sudarshana Devadhar

Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar

Retired

United States

Northeastern Jurisdiction

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Bishop Sudarshana Devadhar was elected to the episcopacy in 2004 by the Northeastern Jurisdictional Conference of The United Methodist Church. He retired on January 1, 2023. 

Prior to retirement, Bishop Devadhar was the resident bishop of the Boston Area, which includes the New England Conference in the Northeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church.

He was born into a family of clergypersons and has been a follower of God all of his life. The name "Devadhar" means "follower of God." Suda, as he is called, began his pastorate as a deacon at the Church of South India, Mercara Coorg, India. He holds a B.Com. degree from Vijaya College, University of Mysore, Mulki, India; a B.D., degree from United Theological College, Bangalore, India; a M.Th. degree from Perkins School of Theology, Southern Methodist University; and an M.Phil. and a Ph.D. from Drew University.

Before 2004, Suda served for eight years as the district superintendent for the Ontario District of the North Central New York Annual Conference.

Sudarshana Devadhar was elected to the episcopacy in 2004. He began his assignment as the leader of the New Jersey Episcopal Area on September 1, 2004. After serving in the New Jersey Area for 8 years, he was assigned to the Boston Area in July 2012. "I envision a Church of the Pentecost in which the Holy Spirit is igniting, gifting and empowering God's children of all ages, backgrounds, colors and personalities to glorify their Creator as passionate witnesses for Jesus Christ," said Bishop Devadhar. "Such a church does not merely serve the poor, the left out, the different, but welcomes them warmly into its hearts, homes, and worship."

Bishop Devadhar enjoys spending time with his family. His wife, Prema, is his partner in ministry and they are blessed with an adult daughter, Trina. Bishop Devadhar also enjoys reading and listening to devotional music. His key philosophy in life are to love everyone.