On behalf of the Joint Oversight Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island, the Bishop Search Committee welcomes candidates and nominations for the diocese’s ninth bishop, following Bishop Lawrence Provenzano’s announcement of his upcoming retirement. The diocese, encompassing Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, offers an opportunity for a transformational leader to lead the church in building beloved community while navigating the creative tensions that define modern diocesan ministry.
"The Spirit is moving through our diverse diocese—from urban Brooklyn to rural Long Island, across our thirteen worship languages and eight ministry corporations—and we trust that same Spirit is drawing our next bishop toward us," said search co-chairs Dr. Lena Mullings and the Very Rev. Gideon L. K. Pollach. "Somewhere out there is the leader called to help us live into our identity as a community that thrives within creative tensions while building God's beloved community."
“We need a bishop who can help us thrive within the dynamic tensions that make us who we are—like Moses, who held the tension between liberation and law-giving, or like Paul, who bridged Jewish tradition and Gentile inclusion,” the diocese states in its recently published search profile.
The diocese serves 128 parishes across one of the nation’s most diverse regions, with worship conducted in thirteen languages. Priority ministry areas include: congregational vitality, community justice, environmental stewardship, racial reconciliation, and building beloved community. The diocese maintains robust financial resources and operates eight ministry corporations, including St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and the George Mercer Jr. Memorial School of Theology.
Seeking Integration, Not Simple Solutions
Rather than seeking someone who will resolve complexities into simple solutions, the diocese seeks a bishop who can masterfully integrate essential tensions: balancing unity with diversity across geographic and cultural differences; grounding ministry in Anglican tradition while pioneering creative approaches; providing pastoral care while exercising sophisticated organizational leadership; and fostering abundance thinking while ensuring responsible stewardship.
“We seek episcopal leadership that reflects our deep commitment to the full participation of all people in the life and ministry of the Church,” the search profile states.
Timeline and Requirements
The nomination period closes October 15, 2025, with applications due October 31, 2025. The Special Electing Convention is scheduled for April 18, 2026, with ordination and consecration planned for September 19, 2026. The election process is being overseen by the Joint Oversight Committee of the Diocese of Long Island.
Candidates must be priests or bishops in good standing within the Anglican Communion with a minimum of ten years of ministry experience, including at least seven years in one call, plus experience leading an incorporated entity or serving as a board member.
Complete application requirements are available below. Questions may be directed to bishopsearch@dioceseli.org.
About the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island: Established in 1868, the diocese serves approximately 20,752 active baptized members across urban Brooklyn and Queens to rural Long Island communities.
Contact: bishopsearch@dioceseli.org