Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon, senior pastor of Bethlehem's Central Moravian Church has died

BETHLEHEM, Pa - Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon, senior pastor of Bethlehem’s Central Moravian Church, has passed away, according to an announcement on the Moravian Church website. He was 63 years old.

Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon was installed in January of 2013 as a senior pastor of the historic Central Moravian Church, succeeding the Rev. Carol Reifinger who retired the previous November. He was also the first person of color to hold the post, according to the Morning Call.

Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon

Photo courtesy Central Moravian Church, Bethlehem,

According to the Morning Call, Clennon, was born in Jamaica and ordained there in 1983, had previous pastoral roles at Schoeneck Moravian Church in Upper Nazareth Township and churches in Los Angeles and Washington, where he first came to the United States with his wife, Shelia.

Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, shared the following on their website:

“Through our tears and yet with hope, we share this news with our congregation:  The Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon entered the more immediate presence of God today, January 7, at noon. Surrounded by his family, they shared that he was at peace as he passed. Our hearts are grieving for a pastor, a bishop, a friend and a person bigger than any words can describe him. And yet – we do not despair – knowing that the God of this life and the life to come walks in our valleys of grief, until we are welcomed home.

Today’s Moravian Daily Text reads: “Do not be afraid, stand firm, and see the deliverance that the Lord will accomplish for you today.” Exodus 14:13.

We will send further communication shortly about memorial service plans and also the organization of meals for the Clennon family.

They also stated that the Old Chapel will be open tomorrow from 9 am – 3 pm for anyone who wishes to be in prayer and will communicate shortly about other opportunities for the congregation to gather. 

The Rev. David Bennett, president of the Moravian Church, Northern Province, shared the following:

“Friends in Christ,

It is with heavy and sorrowful hearts, that we share the passing of our brother, the Rt. Rev. C. Hopeton Clennon.   Sister Melissa Johnson and I were humbled to be present at our dear brother’s passing with his family and witnessed the deep and faithful love of kinship who gathered to embrace our brother Hopeton in the dawning hours of his resurrection to play some of his favorite hymns.  There was peace in the room.

In the spirit of our shared grief, we pray…..

Epiphany God of enlightenment,

In the darkest moments of life you find a way to shine hope and bring light into what is experienced as life’s most troubling moments.  On this sacred day when we celebrate those who journeyed to the Christ Child, may we be mindful of what led them.  A star – a light in the dark night’s sky.  To follow it, one must have had to journey through the darkest of nights to find the gift of grace and peace – Emmanuel….the Christ Child….God with us.

As we mourn the loss of our dear brother, The Rt. Rev. Hopeton Clennon, may we do so clinging to the Gospel words which he spoke, the infectious smile which blessed us, the humor which reminded us to laugh at ourselves on a regular basis, the faithfulness to ministry which declared boldly that “the next generation WILL know this sacred story of Christ.”  We thank you for the gift of his presence in our lives and Church.  

Now, we ask that you comfort his family in their sorrow.  May the comforts and promises of the Gospel bring them both grace and peace.  As his life is celebrated in the days and weeks to come, may there be the gift of a renewal of faith and kinship,

In the name of whom our dear friend and brother lived, Jesus Christ, Our Chief Elder, amen.”

In a message to the school community, University President Bryon Grigsby said that Clennon “was an integral part of our community, making significant contributions to Moravian University, Central Moravian Church, and the Bethlehem community as a whole. Pastor Clennon’s unwavering dedication, compassionate leadership, and profound impact on the lives of many will be deeply missed. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and service that will continue to inspire us all.”

Clennon, also wrote periodic columns on faith and values for The Morning Call’s Saturday Religion page.

The official obituary as well as additional information/funeral services on Hopeton’s passing will be shared as it is available, according to the church.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, loved ones, and the congregation at Central Moravian Church in Bethlehem.