Theological Statement

The election of a bishop is an event of major significance in the life of our diocese and of the whole church. The office of bishop represents both the historical preservation and the present empowerment of ministry and mission in the church and in the world. As “Partners with God” the bishop is also an important sign of unity and community among us.

As Partners with God, we believe that God works with and through the actions and processes of human beings as they gather and strive to hear, understand and be faithful to God’s call. Our nomination, selection and election processes and procedures are the tools with which we craft our leadership discernment efforts.

As Partners with God, we believe that the Holy Spirit is alive in the Church and that it is that same Spirit that will help us to call forth a person to lead us and to help us order our common lives in this diocese at this point in our history. We seek to call as our next Bishop a visionary who will help the clergy and people of our diocese to bring to fruition the Kingdom vision which God has already planted in our hearts and minds.

As Partners with God, we will move prayerfully and deliberately through these discernment processes, and will pray for and continue to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to show love and care for all those with whom we will come into contact. We will seek to be open to the issues and concerns of all the people and will endeavor to be personable and pastoral with all who may be nominated at whatever point in our process.

We earnestly ask for and desire the regular and continued prayers of all the clergy and people of the diocese as we journey together through this challenging and hope filled time in the life of our diocese.