Neighborliness with Erle Newton III and Kelley Dial
Send us Fan MailPolitical life can feel like a constant pressure to pick a side, assume the worst, and speak with total certainty. But God calls us to find common ground in a divided world; to love our neighbors as ourselves.In this episode, just days before the midterm elections, Bishop Wright has a conversation with Erle Newton III, District Attorney for Bartow and Gordon Counties, and Kelley Dial, Chief Assistant Public Defender for the same circuit. While their work often places them on opposite sides of the courtroom, they share a deep friendship, a common faith, and leadership roles at Church of the Ascension in Cartersville, Georgia.Together, they explore what it means to disagree without division, pursue justice with humility, and remember that Jesus was political, but not partisan. They discuss how faith shapes their understanding of justice, mercy, and accountability, as well as practical approaches to criminal justice reform through mental health and drug courts. At a time when political differences too often define our relationships, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that we can hold different perspectives while remaining committed to loving our neighbors. Listen in for the full conversation.Erle J. Newton III is the District Attorney for the Cherokee Judicial Circuit which is comprised of Bartow and Gordon counties. He has 16 years of experience as a prosecutor. Erle has tried cases ranging in severity from speeding to murder. For seven years, he was the circuit’s Drug Prosecutor, focusing on dismantling and disrupting drug dealing and trafficking operations. He has also served as a prosecutor in both of the circuit’s accountability courts, Drug Court and Mental Health Court. Erle is a graduate of the Walker School (which has Episcopal roots). Erle earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The University of the South, Sewanee, Tennessee and a Juris Doctor from Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law in Macon. He currently serves as Chair for the Recovery Bartow board of directors, a non-profit organization that supports addiction recovery. Erle also serves as the Senior Warden, a Verger, and a Lector at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Cartersville. He is a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew. Erle and his wife have been blessed with one daughter.Kelley Dial has practiced law in the Cherokee Judicial Circuit, serving Bartow and Gordon Counties, since 1990. A lifelong resident of Cartersville and graduate of Cartersville High School, she earned a Bachelor of Music from Berry College in 1983 and a Juris Doctor from Georgia State University College of Law in 1990. Throughout her legal career, Kelley has worked as an associate at two law firms and spent many years as a sole practitioner, consistently focusing on criminal defense. Since 2005, she has served as Chief Assistant Public Defender for the Cherokee Judicial Circuit, joining the office when it was established as part of Georgia’s statewide public defender system. She has tried hundreds of criminal cases and is certified to handle death penalty cases. Beyond her legal career, Kelley has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to public service, education, and her faith community. She has served on the Cartersville City School Board since 2000 and currently serves as its president. A member of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Cartersville since 1998, Kelley is deeply involved in the life and leadership of her parish. She currently serves as Junior Warden, and is a member of the diocesan Standing Committee. Kelley and her husband, Bill, have been married for 43 years and have one son, Alex.Support the showFollow us on IG and FB at Bishop Rob Wright.
