To the Beloved People of the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island,
We are honored to serve as the co-chairs of the search committee for the 9th Bishop of Long Island. We write to you today with a spirit of hope and anticipation as we embark on this important journey together.
The process of selecting a new bishop is a significant task that requires the prayers, guidance, and involvement of our entire diocese as well as a reliance on the Holy Spirit. As we begin this search, we are reminded of the vibrant community that makes up our diocese—a community rich in joy, faith, diversity, and commitment to service.
It is essential that every voice is heard and valued in this process.
We want to assure you that we are dedicated to conducting a thorough and prayerful search. Our committee is meeting weekly, working in subcommittees, to focus on various aspects of this important task. We are committed to seeking a diverse group of candidates who embody the values of our diocese and who will lead us into a new chapter of ministry and mission together. Our future bishop will not only guide us spiritually but will also inspire us to deepen our faith and expand our witness in the world.
As we move forward, we invite you to join us in this prayer:
“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.”
We invite you to add this prayer to the weekly liturgy of each parish, strengthening our collective commitment to prayer in this process.
Your engagement is vital. We are committed to providing you with regular updates, at least on the first and third Wednesdays of each month, through email and our social media channels.
Additionally, there will be many communications forthcoming about listening sessions and a diocesan-wide survey soon. We encourage you to share your thoughts, hopes, and prayers for our next bishop through these tools for discernment. Your feedback will be instrumental in shaping our understanding of the qualities and gifts we all seek in our next bishop.
We also invite you to follow the search on our social media platforms for the latest updates and information. You can find us on Facebook or Instagram (@edlisearch9).
Thank you for your commitment to our diocese and your involvement in this crucial process. We look forward to journeying with you as we seek the next Bishop of Long Island.
In Christ’s love,
Dr. Lena Mullings
The Very Rev. Gideon Pollach
Chairs, Search Committee for the 9th Bishop of Long Island
For more information on the Ninth Bishop Search, click here.