Talbert Wesley Swan II (born April 24, 1965) is an American religious leader. He is a prelate in the Church of God in Christ serving as the bishop of the Massachusetts Greater Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction in the United States. Swan is the fifth leader of the jurisdiction and oversees COGIC congregations throughout Massachusetts and in contiguous states. Swan serves the Church of God in Christ as assistant general secretary, general board clerk, and director of Social Justice Ministry. Swan is also the National Chaplain of Iota Phi Theta fraternity and the host of a radio talk show, The Spoken Word.
Swan has faced criticism including accusations of being a "rabble-rouser" who supports Black nationalism. While Dr. Swan has faced criticism from some commentators who have characterized his rhetoric as controversial, his decades-long record of public service and advocacy has also earned widespread recognition as a leading voice for civil rights and community reform. As president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, he has been actively involved in efforts addressing police accountability, voting rights, and economic inequality, and has participated in initiatives such as coalitions to combat food insecurity and community violence.Heinonen, Sarah. "Western Mass Leaders Come Together to Combat Hunger", The Reminder, November 11, 2025 Local and regional reporting has highlighted his role in advancing police reform discussions following federal findings of civil rights violations in Springfield and his ongoing engagement with public officials to improve community relations.Paleologophulos, James. "Springfield’s incoming police superintendent says he’s ready for the role", WAMC, March 4, 2024 He has also received multiple awards for social justice advocacy and has been recognized for his sustained commitment to uplifting marginalized communities and addressing systemic inequities.Gibson, Precious. "Reasons Why We Love Bishop Talbert Swan", Baller Alert, April 4, 2024
Early life
Talbert Swan was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is the son of Fred Allen Swan, Sr. and DeLois Fason Swan. He attended Van Sickle Junior High School and Classical High School in Springfield, and the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.
Education He earned a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Western New England University and an Associate of Science and Bachelor of Science in religious studies from Charter Oak State College, before attending the Hartford Seminary where he earned a Master of Arts in theology. Swan earned graduate certificates in Faith Based Community and Economic Development from Harvard Divinity School"Alumni/ae Directory 2004, Harvard Divinity School," Bernard C. Harris Publishing Company, 2004, p111. and attended Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, graduating Magna Cum Laude with a Master of Divinity in Urban Ministry."Alumni/ae Directory 2009, Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary," The Data Company Publishing Concepts, 2009, p123. Bishop Swan completed his Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) at Carolina University, where his research focused on developing a practical ministry model to strengthen the social witness of congregations through structured community engagement, leadership development, and collaborative partnerships. His work bridges theological conviction with actionable strategies that address social and economic challenges in urban communities."About Our Senior Pastor", Spring of Hope Church
Career
Ordination and early ministry Swan was ordained as an elder by Bishop Louis C. Young on August 15, 1991. "About Our Senior Pastor", Spring of Hope Church Swan served as youth minister at the Spring of Hope Church of God in Christ before founding the Solid Rock Church of God in Christ in 1994. "About Our Senior Pastor", Spring of Hope Church In January 2009, the Solid Rock and Spring of Hope Churches merged and Swan was installed as pastor on May 31, 2009. "About Our Senior Pastor", Spring of Hope Church
Swan has served the Church of God in Christ in the Office of the General Secretary since 2001. During that time he served as: special assistant to the general secretary, assistant general secretary for statistics, and currently as the assistant general secretary/administration. Swan also serves the denomination as clerk of the general board and the director of Social Justice Ministry. He previously served as associate White House liaison, and senior advisor to Presiding Bishop Charles Edward Blake, Sr.
Ministry as bishop On April 3, 2014, Swan was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Greater Massachusetts Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction by Charles Edward Blake, Sr., Presiding bishop, and the General Board of the Church of God in Christ.Johnson, Patrick. "Rev. Talbert Swan of Springfield named bishop in Church of God in Christ", Springfield Republican, June 19, 2014 His appointment was ratified by the General Assembly and he was consecrated bishop on November 9, 2014, during the 107th Annual Holy Convocation.Berry, Conor. "Springfield Pastor Talbert Swan II consecrated bishop in the Church of God in Christ", Springfield Republican, November 14, 2014
On June 6, 2016, Blake named Swan the third bishop of the Nova Scotia Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.Goonan, Peter. "Talbert W. Swan II appointed to bishop post in Nova Scotia, Canada", Springfield Republican, June 8, 2016 Swan oversaw all member churches in the Nova Scotia province as well as congregations in Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania. He officially received his episcopal assignment during the 109th Annual Holy Convocation on November 13, 2016. He served in that post until January 2022. “Talbert W. Swan II appointed to bishop post in Nova Scotia, Canada”
In January 2022, Swan was appointed prelate of the Vermont Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction by Presiding Bishop John Drew Sheard Sr.Deforge, Jeanette. "Springfield’s Talbert Swan named regional bishop for Church of God in Christ", Springfield Republican, January 31, 2022 Swan succeeded Bishop Loran Mann, who died in May 2021.Taylor, Rob Jr. "Bishop Loran Mann, a trailblazer and Pittsburgh icon, dies at 74" Bishop Mann also served as a member of the denomination's General Board, the Executive Branch of government. “Bishop Loran Mann elected to the Church Of God In Christ General Board”
On December 8, 2025, Presiding Bishop John Drew Sheard Sr., with the unanimous approval of the general board, appointed Swan as prelate of the Massachusetts Greater Ecclesiastical JurisdictionParnass, Larry. "Springfield pastor tapped for larger role in national denomination", Springfield Republican, January 29, 2026 , succeeding the late bishop Bryant Robinson, Jr. As prelate, Swan oversees member churches throughout Massachusetts and contiguous states. “Springfield pastor tapped for larger role in national denomination”
Advocacy Swan is the president of the Greater Springfield NAACP. In 2022 he was reelected to his seventh 2 year. He has advocated for police reform, voting rights, and community responsibility.Vannah, Tom. "Real Talk", Valley Advocate, June 25, 2014 Defeating his rival by a three-to-one margin in the 2011 election for president of the Greater Springfield NAACP, Swan's election reportedly created anticipation of a resurgence of social activism in the region.Turner, Maureen. "A New Pulpit", Valley Advocate, July 28, 2011 The Valley Advocate noted that this led to a revitalization of the organization and its voice on critical community issues. Swan outlined the priorities of the branch as taking a renewed focus on education, health, economic empowerment, political action and social justice advocacy.Rizzuto, Robert. "Springfield NAACP President Talbert W. Swan II outlines priorities", Springfield Republican, September 24, 2011
Bishop Swan has been in high demand as a speaker, preacher, and presenter across the nation. He has spoken on over 40 college campuses, was a keynote speaker for the annual worship service of the 112th NAACP National Convention, Black Excellence on the Hill by the MA Black and Latino Caucus, the 50th, 57th, 58th, and 60th anniversaries of the March on Washington, the 60th Anniversary Conclave of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, The 61st National Convention of the National Conference of Negro Women, and the 54th Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. The Republican Newsroom "Bishop Talbert Swan II speaks at event marking anniversary of March on Washington", ‘’Masslive”, Aug 26, 2023
Police reform Swan, a longtime advocate for police reform, first came to national attention in the wake of receiving a harassing telephone call from Joseph Bradley, a Springfield police officer. Bradley made the call from the Public Safety office of Western New England University and mocked the burning of black churches in the south. The call was made July 2, 1996, the day Swan was hosting a service to raise funds to assist southern churches that had been burned.Mcauliffe, Michael. "Blacks called to action on church fires", Springfield Union News, July 3, 1996, B4. After confirming that the racist call was made by Bradley, Springfield Deputy Chief of Police Daniel Spellacy apologized to Swan, his congregation, and the African American community, and Mayor Michael Albano vowed that the city would not tolerate such racist acts.Mcauliffe, Michael and Malley, Carol. "White officer linked to call: City's police apologize to blacks," Springfield Union News, July 6, 1996 A1. Mayor Albano said that the call to Swan "borders on crisis" and announced the formation of a community coalition to deal with racial tensions.Stephenson, D.L. "Racial crisis possible says Albano", Springfield Union News, July 22, 1996, B1.
Responding to the dismissal of assault charges against white police officer, Jeffrey Asher, who was caught on video kicking a handcuffed Roy Parker in the head, Swan organized a rally attracting hundreds, that was held across from Springfield City Hall."Police treatment of blacks focus of rally in wake of taped incident," Nashua Telegraph, June 28, 1997, p3. Citing the reluctance of those in leadership to condemn Asher's actions because of Parker's prior criminal history, Swan condemned the silence of elected officials and clergy. He noted that "an open condemnation of this incident is long overdue" and that "the silence of those in leadership is shameful."Kelly, Ray. "Ministers decrying 'silence'", Springfield Union News, April 12, 1997, Front Page. Asher was eventually arraigned on assault charges,Flynn, Jack. "Officer arraigned in assault case", Springfield Union News, B1. but was eventually cleared of the criminal charges. The Police Commission suspended him for one year and ordered him to undergo "sensitivity training." Asher's suspension was reduced to six months by a labor arbitrator, with Asher receiving $20,000 in back pay.Turner, Maureen. "Asher Conviction Offers a "Glimmer of Hope", Valley Advocate, May 5, 2012