New Bishop takes to social media

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) – There’s a new Bishop in Rhode Island who using social media to take church to a higher level.

Times are tough for churches both locally and nationally, and in recent years, many have seen declining attendance. Therefore, when the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island was on the hunt for their next Bishop, a strong online communicator was key.

Nicholas Knisely, the new Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Rhode Island said that Facebook and Twitter are great ways to reach a mass audience.

"Both of them are ways that we reach out to people who are looking for churches, looking to ask questions about religion. You get an unfiltered voice from people in the congregation. I get to hear their questions without a sense of 'Oh I'm talking to the Bishop."” said Knisely.

Since being ordained as Bishop last week, Reverend Knisely has made it his mission to maintain an online presence and be able to answer questions at a moments notice.

"I'm been one of the trailblazers in communications and online communications since the church started using it back in the mid-80's,” said Knisely.

The Bishop tries to stay constantly updated on all of his social media sites, because he says religious questions are the second most searched on the internet.

You can reach Bishop Knisely on Twitter @wnknisely or the Diocese of Rhode Island @episcopalri . You can also follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wnknisely .