Dear People of the Diocese of Long Island,
Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
As we begin the sacred work of discerning who God is calling to be the 9th Bishop of Long Island, we write to share with you the process ahead and to invite your deep and prayerful participation.
A Journey of Prayer and Discernment
The election of a bishop is not merely an administrative task—it is a holy journey grounded in faith, prayer, and the movement of the Holy Spirit. In our Episcopal tradition, we believe that the Holy Spirit works through the voices of the people, the discernment of the Church, and the structures of our governance. Through this process, we seek not simply to make a decision, but to discover God’s will for the future of this diocese.
We ask for your prayers daily. As St. Paul reminds us in Romans 8:26, “the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes…with sighs too deep for words.” We trust that the Spirit is already at work among us—calling, guiding, and preparing the way.
Responding to Questions and Concerns
We recognize that there may be questions about the timing and structure of the search process. We hear those concerns, and we want to assure you that the Search Committee is committed to being as transparent as possible every step of the way.
At this link, you will find a general timeline outlining key phases of the process. While we will share regular updates and welcome engagement from across the diocese, we also acknowledge that some aspects of the process must remain confidential—particularly those involving nominees and candidates. This confidentiality is not secrecy, but a necessary pastoral protection for those who are offering themselves for discernment.
Canonical Foundations
Our process follows the Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church which outlines the election of bishops. The journey includes:
- Search Committee Work: A representative group of lay and clergy leaders from throughout the diocese is meeting regularly to pray, listen, and prepare a diocesan profile that reflects who we are and what we seek in our next bishop.
- Nomination and Application Period: After the profile is released, the committee will receive and review applications and nominations, with prayerful discernment guiding the selection of a slate of candidates.
- Petition Process: Once a slate is announced by the Joint Oversight Committee, there will be an opportunity for additional candidates to be added by petition, as outlined by the Joint Oversight Committee.
- Meet and Greets: The final candidates will travel throughout the diocese to meet with clergy and laypeople at public forums, where we can listen, learn, and ask questions.
- Electing Convention: Clergy and elected lay delegates will gather in a Special Convention to elect the next bishop by a majority vote in both orders.
- Consent and Consecration: After the election, consents must be received from the wider Episcopal Church, and the Presiding Bishop will preside at the consecration.
Called to Hope
The role of bishop is deeply rooted in the apostolic tradition: to proclaim the Gospel, teach the faith, uphold unity, and serve God’s people with compassion and courage. This process is not simply about leadership—it is about opening ourselves to the future God is preparing for us.
We ask you to walk with us in prayer, in faith, and in hope. Together, we trust that God will raise up a bishop who reflects the love, diversity, and mission of our diocese—and who will lead us forward in Christ’s name.
Faithfully,
The Bishop Search Committee
Episcopal Diocese of Long Island
For more on the Search for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island, click here.