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. 


Announcing the Final Slate of Candidates for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island 

The Joint Oversight Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, having received no applications during the petition period, is pleased to announce the final slate of candidates presented for election of the Ninth Bishop of Long Island.

As earlier communicated, the candidates have agreed to stand for election, and we are grateful for their willingness to continue to discern this holy call. We are thrilled that these candidates bring particular gifts and experiences to our diocese. They represent a variety of approaches to inclusive leadership, knowledge of institutional complexity, various expressions of Anglican spirituality, a spiritual maturity and strengths in cultural competency which were areas that our diocese identified as essential for our next bishop.

We invite you to click "learn more" under each candidate to read a brief biography, watch their video, and view their resume. 

The Very Rev. Hickman Alexandre

The Very Rev. Hickman Alexandre

The Rev. Adam J. Shoemaker

The Rev. Dr. Adam J. Shoemaker

The Very Rev. Canon Michael T. Sniffen

The Very Rev. Dr. Michael T. Sniffen

EDLI Shield

Meet and Greets

The Meet & Greet sessions will offer opportunities for clergy and laity to engage directly with the nominees for bishop through prayerful conversation and thoughtful dialogue. Dates and locations will be announced soon. To help ensure that these gatherings reflect the voices and concerns of the entire diocese, we are inviting parishes to submit questions in advance. 

Purpose of the Questions:  Your submitted questions will help shape the moderated Q&A portions of each Meet & Greet. 

These questions should aim to: 

  • Reflect the hopes, challenges, and priorities of our diocesan community. 
  • Encourage spiritual and pastoral reflection, not debate. 
  • Allow the nominees to share their vision for leadership, faith journey, and commitment to the diverse people and ministries of the Diocese of Long Island.  
A stained glass window with light shining in through the holy dove

Bishop Transition Process

The Diocese of Long Island has entered a sacred and hopeful season of discernment as we prepare for the election, ordination, and consecration of our ninth bishop on September 19, 2026. This transition is more than a formal leadership change; it is a period of deep listening and spiritual renewal for our entire community. We invite you to engage in this process—rooted in prayer, transparency, and integrity—as we honor the faithful ministry of our eighth bishop, the Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, and look forward with joyful expectation to the future.

Timeline

Click on each date below to view descriptions of the key events in the search for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island. 

Bishop Provenzano Announces Resignation – December 2024

Bishop Provenzano announceshis intention to retire in September 2026.

Joint Oversight Committee Active – January - February 2025

Members of the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council appointed to JOC meets with the Presiding Bishop and Consultants for the process.

JOC Calls for Committee Applications – March - April 2025

JOC requested applications for Search and Transition Committees. Application review and selection.

Announcement of Search and Transition Committees – May 2025

Committees and Co-Chairs announced to Diocese.

Search and Transition Committees Active – May - June 2025

Beginning with a shared retreat, the committees are hard at work on communication, data collection, and profile creation plans.

Listening Sessions and Survey Conducted – July - September 2025

Your chance to make your voice heard! Survey link and listening session info will be available soon.

Diocesan Profile Published, Application Opens – Fall 2025

A snapshot of our Diocese is available Discernment Begins for potential applicants. Nomination and application period opens.

Application Period Ends, Discernment Begins – Fall 2025

Applicants are screened and interviewed by the search committee.

Slate Announced, Petition Period Opens – Winter 2026

JOC announces slate of candidates. Petition process begins.

Meet and Greets with Candidates – Spring 2026

Your opportunity to hear directly from the candidates through in-person events across the Diocese.

Electing Convention – April 18th, 2026

Ninth Bishop elected at a special convention.

Ordination of Ninth Bishop – September 2026

The Diocese gathers for the ordination of the Ninth Bishop of Long Island.

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 

From the Diocesan Council 

Members of the Search Committee

The Very Rev. Gideon L. K. Pollach, Co-Chair
St. John’s Episcopal Church (Suffolk County)

Dr. Lena Mullings, Co-Chair
All Saints’ Episcopal Church (Brooklyn)

The Rev. Jimmie Sue Deppe
The Church of St. Jude (Nassau County)

The Rev. Andrew Durbidge
The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew (Brooklyn)

The Rev. Grace Flint
St. Francis Episcopal Church (Nassau County)

The Rev. Sheldon N. N. Hamblin
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Brooklyn) 

The Rev. John Merz
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension (Brooklyn)

The Rev. Deacon Myldred Previl
St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church (Brooklyn)

The Rev. Deacon Katherine Schneider
Zion Episcopal Church (Queens)

The Rev. Carlos Rendon
Iglesia de La Santa Cruz (Brooklyn)

The Rev. Keith A. Voets
The Episcopal Church of St. Alban the Martyr (Queens)

Laura Beckham
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Suffolk County)

Jennifer Florez
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (Queens)

Tamara Harris
The Cathedral of the Incarnation (Nassau County)

Dr. Nancy Lam
Christ Church (Brooklyn)

Dr. Lorna R. Lewis
Church of the Transfiguration (Nassau County)

James Olszewski
St. George’s Episcopal Church (Queens)

Karen R. Schief
Church of the Advent (Nassau County)

Léon M. Willis II
St. Ann & the Holy Trinity (Brooklyn)

Members of the Transition Committee

The Rev. Deacon Claire Mis, Co-Chair
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Suffolk County)

Randal Schultz, Co-Chair
St. Ann’s Episcopal Church (Suffolk County)

The Rev. Diane L. Neuls DeBlasio
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (Suffolk County)

The Rev. Sully Guillaume-Sam
St. Gabriel’s Episcopal Church (Queens)

The Rev. Deacon Brenda Marshall
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church (Brooklyn)

The Rev. Stephen C. Tamke
Christ Church (Nassau County)

The Rev. Darrell L. Tiller
St. Philip’s Episcopal Church (Brooklyn)

The Rev. Dr. Norman Whitmire, Jr.
All Saints' Episcopal Church (Queens)

The Rev. Lu Carrie Zhang
St. George’s Episcopal Church (Queens)

Charmaine G. Alleyne
St. George’s Episcopal Church (Brooklyn)

Dr. Michelle A. Chester
Church of the Transfiguration (Nassau County)

Kevin C. Fowler
St. Mary’s Episcopal Church (Suffolk County)

Lesly Galloway
Christ Church (Suffolk County)

Darleyne Mayers
Church of the Transfiguration (Nassau County)

Angela Sacco
Caroline Episcopal Church (Suffolk County)

Wendy Small-Brassell
Grace Episcopal Church (Queens)

Denise Washington
Church of the Nativity (Brooklyn)

 

Bishop Search Profile

Diocese of Long Island Bishop Search Profile

This profile was developed by the Search Committee to seek and convey the hopes and dreams of the people of our diocese for our next bishop. It provides a window into the life, ministries, and diversity of our diocese, highlighting our history, communities, and the ways we live out our shared mission. It is a meaningful way to learn more about the context in which our next bishop will serve and the people they will accompany.

Click to Download

 

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. 

Upcoming Events for Ninth Bishop Search