Bishop Search | Episcopal Diocese of Long Island

A Prayer for our Bishop Search

from the Joint Oversight Committee

Almighty God, giver of every good gift and source of all wisdom and understanding, look graciously upon your church and so guide the minds and hearts of those who will choose our next bishop. We pray that those who offer themselves as candidates in this process, you will grant them wisdom and discernment, a spirit of revelation and knowledge of your will, that they will care for all your people and equip us for our ministries through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

A stained glass window with light shining in through the holy dove

About the Search for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island

On December 10, 2024, Bishop Provenzano,announced that he had informed Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe of his intention to resign as Bishop Diocesan of Long Island in September of 2026, calling for the discernment process for ninth bishop to begin in early 2025. The Joint Oversight Committee will oversee the election process and facilitate the formation of a Search Committee and Transition Committee with guidance from consultants at the Presiding Bishop’s Office. The Search Committee will be responsible for creating and presenting a slate of candidates, while the Transition Committee will manage key aspects of the transition, including candidate visits, community discernment, and ordination-related events.

This special section of the diocesan website has been created to inform members of the elements of that process, and keep the church informed of progress. New sections will be added as the transition progresses.

Search and Transition Committee Members to be Announced Soon

In an announcement on May 7, Deacon Jason Moskal and Jaqueline Mason, co-chairs of the Joint Oversight Committee, said, "The JOC committee continues to work diligently to finalize the members of the Bishop Search and Transition Committees. We look forward to announcing these appointments soon.

"In preparation for the work ahead, a Leadership Retreat with the Joint Oversight Committee, Search Committee, and Transition Committee is scheduled for May 30th and 31st. We invite your prayers as we enter this important phase of discernment."

The Joint Oversight Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island sought applicants for the Search Committee and Transition Committee as part of the process to identify and welcome the next bishop. The Search Committee will be responsible for creating and presenting a slate of candidates, while the Transition Committee will manage key aspects of the transition, including candidate visits, community discernment, and ordination-related events.

Applications were accepted from March 21 to April 1. The committee selection process is now underway and is prioritizing individuals with strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills, as well as a deep commitment to the diocese. Applicants were also expected to demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality and work effectively in a team setting.

Joint Oversight Committee

The committee comprises eight members—four elected from the Standing Committee and four elected from the Diocesan Council. The new committee members were elected by the membership of their respective bodies.

From the Standing Committee