Electing Convention for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island

Electing Convention for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island
Clergy and Lay Delegates from across the Diocese of Long Island will gather for the Electing Convention to elect the Ninth Bishop
Contact Information
Ivette Fernandez-Guzman

On Saturday, April 18, 2026, Clergy and Lay Delegates from across the Diocese of Long Island will gather at the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City for the Electing Convention for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island.This day will be a milestone in our common life, and we invite the prayers of the entire diocese as we move toward it together.

Whether you are a voting delegate, a young person attending the Youth Watch Party, or a member of the wider diocesan community participating virtually, your presence and prayers are a vital part of this sacred process. We invite you to explore the various ways to participate below.


Livestream and Virtual Participation

The convention will open at 10:00 AM with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Voting will begin shortly after the conclusion of the service.

While in-person attendance is strictly restricted to registered clergy and lay delegates, the entire diocesan community is invited to participate virtually via the livestream below. We encourage you to join us to witness the proceedings and hold the candidates, their families, and the delegates in prayer throughout the day.

 

View Liturgy Booklet (coming soon)


Information for Delegates

Registration Reminder

Delegates for the Electing Convention are the same delegates who were elected for the 2025 Diocesan Conventionheld last fall. New delegates cannot be elected or registered for this event. All eligible delegates should have received an email invitation to register. If you did not receive an invitation, please contact convention@dioceseli.org.

Arrival and Check-In

  • Check-In Time: Doors and the check-in tent open at 8:30 AM.
  • Entrance: Entry is permitted through the north doors of the Cathedral only. 
  • Credentials: All pre-registered participants must check in to receive a badge and voting card. Your badge will include a QR code, which must be scanned to enter the Cathedral.
  • Security: Once you scan in, you may not leave the premises until the convention concludes.

Getting to the Cathedral

While parking is available in the Cathedral House lot located by the railroad, the size of this convention means spaces will be limited and will fill up quickly. To ensure a smooth arrival and to minimize congestion around the Cathedral grounds, we strongly encourage attendees to use public transportation where possible. The Garden City LIRR station is conveniently located just two blocks from the Cathedral, offering an stress-free alternative to searching for parking. We have included some directions for your convenience. 

By Train (LIRR)

Important Note for April 18, 2026: 

Due to scheduled maintenance, there is no direct train service to Garden City Station from the west. You must take the Huntington Branch to Mineola and transfer to an MTA Shuttle Bus.

Morning Arrival Schedule 

Attendees from Brooklyn and Queens should travel to Jamaica Station and transfer to the Huntington-bound trains listed below. Attendees from Eastern Long Island should take any Westbound Huntington/Port Jefferson train to Mineola.

Depart JamaicaArrive MineolaBus Departs MineolaArrive Garden City
6:17 AM6:35 AM6:45 AM7:10 AM
6:59 AM7:18 AM7:28 AM7:53 AM
7:54 AM8:14 AM8:24 AM8:49 AM

Transfer Instructions:

  • At Mineola, follow signs for the MTA Shuttle Bus towards Hempstead.

  • The bus ride to Garden City takes approximately 25 minutes.

  • Alternative: If you miss the bus, Mineola Station is a short 5-minute Uber, Lyft, or Taxi ride from the Cathedral.

Live Updates:


Walking from Garden City Station

  1. The shuttle bus will drop you off at the Garden City LIRR Station.

  2. Walk West toward Cathedral Avenue.

  3. Turn Right onto Cathedral Avenue.

  4. The Cathedral is located on your right at the corner of Cathedral Avenue and Sixth Street.

By Car – From Brooklyn and Queens
  • Take I-495 (LIE) East to Exit 34 (New Hyde Park Rd).
  • Head south 3.3 miles to Stewart Ave and turn left.
  • Continue 2.1 miles to Cherry Valley Ave (Garden City Hotel will be visible).
  • Turn left onto Sixth Street immediately after the railroad overpass. The Cathedral is on the right.
By Car – From Eastern Long Island
  • North Shore: Take the Northern State Pkwy to Exit 31 (Glen Cove Rd/Clinton Rd). Turn right on Stewart Ave, then left on Hilton Ave. Turn right onto Sixth Street.

  • South Shore: Take the Southern State Pkwy to Exit 17 (Hempstead Ave North). Turn left on Cathedral Ave and proceed 1 mile to Sixth Street.

Hospitality

  • Meals: Refreshments will be available upon arrival, and lunch will be provided for all registered participants.
  • Facilities: Restrooms are located within the Cathedral for your convenience.

Youth Watch Party

Come be a part of history! The official Youth (and Young Adult) Watch Party will take place right next door to the Cathedral at the Mercer School of Theology. Participants will learn about the election process, share a meal, and be present as the ballots are cast and our Ninth Bishop is called.

  • Time: Doors Open at 9:30AM
  • Registration: Pre-registration is required. Click the button below.
  • Contact: For questions, email Chelsy DeHart, Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries, at cdehart@dioceseli.org.
Youth Watch Party for the Electing Convention

The Work of Discernment

In one of our beloved collects, we are encouraged to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest Holy Scripture. This wisdom also guides our faithful discernment. We invite you to set aside time to engage carefully with the candidate materials provided below.

Review biographies, CVs, written responses, and candidate videos by clicking learn more under each candidate.

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

 Meet & Greet session recordings are available on the Bishop Search page.

A Prayer for our Bishop Search

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 hem 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.