Process for Presiding Bishop (4/2/24)

My siblings in Christ –

I have been serving in the Diocese of Pennsylvania for the past eight years, and journeying with you has been my greatest joy.  The Church has called me to discern service as the 28th Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church. (See press release here.)   While it is called an election, I approach it as a sacred pilgrimage.   This is a process guided by the Holy Spirit and outcome affirmed by the Body of Christ called the Church.  The Holy Spirit guided my path to Pennsylvania and will be with me in June, regardless of the decision. 

Continuing in this diocese – with you – would continue to be a blessing for me. We have done so much together and are embarking on some very exciting work to strengthen how we build community, worship, utilize church property, and reach all of God’s beloved people.   My commitment to you, and that of your diocesan staff, remains steadfast. 

Over the next three months, I will maintain the schedule of visitations, meeting current and prospective clergy, attending all Board and committee meetings and regularly meeting with staff.  I am also traveling to speak at a diocesan convention, meet with colleagues in Latin America and attend the General Convention with your elected representatives.  There is only one one-day trip to NC that is related to the discernment process, required for all bishops.  On a personal note, I am excited to share that Suzanne and I also plan to welcome a new puppy into our home and introduce him/her to the diocese.

One thing that will change during this time is my presence on social media.  While it can be many positive things, I do not believe it serves a useful purpose in these circumstances. As a result, you will not find me there.  Photos of our time together (confirmation services, celebrations, etc.) will continue to be shared on the diocesan social media channels.

I will not be conducting interviews or commenting further on the presiding bishop process as there is much to be done right now in this diocese.  As always, I am available by scheduling time through Mia Hain, my executive assistant. Diocesan clergy have always had a direct line to me, and that remains.

I ask your prayers for all the nominees, the process, The Episcopal Church, our beloved diocese, my family, and me.

God bless you all,

ELECTION PROCESS BACKGROUND (as provided by The Episcopal Church)

In May 2023, the committee invited the members of the church to suggest bishops they ought to consider. Between May 15 and July 15, 111 Episcopalians submitted bishops’ names. There were some duplications among the suggestions. Bishops could also nominate themselves. None did.

The committee invited all the bishops named to enter the discernment process. Those who agreed provided biographical information, references, and written and video responses to several questions. They were interviewed via Zoom. In January the members decided which of the bishops to invite to meet with them during an in-person retreat March 18-23 at the Lake Logan Conference Center in the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. The committee discerned its slate at the close of that gathering.

Following the Convention Eucharist at 8:30 a.m. on June 26 in the Kentucky International Convention Center, the bishops with seat, voice, and vote will travel to Christ Church Cathedral in downtown Louisville, where the election will take place during a sequestered session in the context of prayer and reflection. The House of Deputies will then be asked to confirm the election.

The bishop elected will succeed The Most Rev. Michael Curry, The Episcopal Church’s 27th Presiding Bishop, when his nine-year term expires on Oct. 31, 2024.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Episcopal Church comprises 108 dioceses and three mission areas in 22 countries or territories. The Episcopal Church is headquartered in New York City. As the only U.S.-based member of the worldwide Anglican Communion, The Episcopal Church is part of the world’s third-largest group of Christians and currently has more than 1.5 million members.