Background
Talley was born in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in the Southern Baptist faith before converting to Roman Catholicism.
Talley was born in Columbus, Georgia, and raised in the Southern Baptist faith before converting to Roman Catholicism.
Early life and education
Talley is a graduate of Auburn University, and received his graduate degree from the University of Georgia. Talley also studied for his doctorate in canon law at Pontificia Universita Gregorian in Rome, Italy, earning it in 1998. He continued his studies in spiritual direction and spirituality at Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama.
Ordination and ministry
Talley was ordained as a priest on June 3, 1989 for the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and served as parochial vicar at Saint Jude the Apostle Church in Atlanta until 1993.
After earning his doctorate in Rome, he returned to Atlanta, serving as an officer of the archdiocesan tribunal and as director of vocations. Talley was named chancellor of the Archdiocese of Atlanta in October 1999.
Auxiliary Bishop of Atlanta
On January 3, 2013, the archdiocese announced Pope Benedict XVI"s decision to appoint him as auxiliary bishop of Atlanta. Talley was consecrated on April 2, 2013.
As auxiliary bishop, Talley holds the position of titular Bishop of Lambaesis.
He is first bishop of Atlanta who is a native-born Georgian.