Dear Beloved People of the Diocese of Long Island,
As the Search Committee for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island recently completed the initial phase of interviews with those who applied to be our next bishop, we wanted to take this opportunity to share with you a summary of the survey so many of you participated in this summer. We are grateful for your time and prayerful responses.
Please continue to pray for all those who have responded to the call to discern with us and for the Search Committee, as we pray for all of you.
Faithfully,
The Search Committee for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island
Landscape Assessment Executive Summary
The Episcopal Diocese of Long Island finds itself at a pivotal moment. The comprehensive landscape assessment conducted by Holy Cow! Consulting reveals a faith community positioned for transformation but waiting for clear direction. With 1,113 respondents representing all levels of diocesan life—from parishioners to active clergy—the survey data paints a picture of cautious optimism mixed with genuine uncertainty about the path forward.
Perhaps the most striking finding is the prevalence of fence-sitting across the Diocese. Over half of all respondents—52% regarding satisfaction (the sense of peace and contentment members experience working together within the organization), and 55% regarding energy (which represents passion and sense of purpose toward organizational goals) chose neutral responses when asked about their feelings toward diocesan life. This pattern is somewhat unusual in Holy Cow Consulting's experience and appears to reflect a community in waiting mode. People seem to be reserving judgment about their satisfaction and energy levels until they see what emerges from the current season of transition and discernment.
The relationship between awareness and engagement proves particularly telling. Those respondents who report being "very aware" of diocesan work show significantly higher levels of both satisfaction and energy. This correlation suggests that much of the uncertainty stems not from fundamental disagreement with diocesan direction, but from insufficient understanding of what that direction actually is. Twenty-six percent of respondents report being unaware of the diocesan mission statement, and 36% express uncertainty about their personal role in achieving the Diocese's vision.
Communication emerges as both a significant challenge and a clear opportunity. Forty percent of respondents feel they receive insufficient communication from the Diocese, with monthly updates identified as the preferred frequency. The challenges extend beyond frequency to content, with 36% lacking clarity about how congregational financial support is utilized and 35% uncertain about the services and support available to congregations.
When it comes to change, the Diocese shows a healthy appetite for transformation without revolutionary upheaval. Only 4% of respondents want no change, while 49% desire moderate change and 34% seek more significant transformation. This suggests a community ready to move forward but preferring thoughtful, strategic evolution over dramatic reorganization. The flexibility scores place the Diocese in the typical range, indicating that while change is possible, it will require careful communication and clear rationale to minimize resistance.
The future priorities identified by respondents center overwhelmingly on congregational support. The top three areas of focus all relate to the Diocese's role in strengthening parish life: taking leadership in working with struggling churches, equipping clergy and lay leaders with growth strategies, and providing responsive assistance during pastoral transitions and other pressing needs. This congregational focus reflects a mature understanding of diocesan purpose—not as an independent entity but as a resource for parish vitality.
There are three critical themes that will require attention from future leadership. First, the need for stronger communication strategies that increase transparency, particularly around financial matters and available services. Second, the development of a more compelling and clearly articulated vision that helps people understand not just what the Diocese does, but where it is headed and how individuals can contribute. Third, attention to unity-building and conflict resolution, particularly among clergy constituencies who show the most concern about diocesan climate and direction.
Looking toward episcopal leadership, respondents have identified clear priorities. The top four critical abilities desired in a future bishop are the capacity to articulate a clear vision for the future, ensure fiscal responsibility and sound administration, create unity among diverse groups, and maintain a pastoral and approachable presence. The emphasis on personal characteristics centers on sound judgment, personal integrity, deep spirituality, and compassion.
The Diocese of Long Island stands ready for thoughtful transformation. The energy exists, the appetite for change is present, and the priorities are clear. What is needed is servant leadership capable of channeling this potential into unified action through transparent communication, compelling vision, and genuine care for both congregational vitality and diocesan unity. The foundation exists for significant positive movement, but it will require episcopal leadership that can bridge the gap between potential and realization, moving the community from cautious waiting to confident engagement in God's mission.