Dear Beloved People of Long Island,
We write today with a summary of our recent work. Since the profile was published in September, the Search Committee has pivoted from the listening and data gathering phase into the discernment phase where we will receive nominations and applications for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island.
On October 4, the Search Committee met in person for an all-day retreat that focused on four key areas:
- We grounded our time together in prayer: Supported by our committee chaplain Ana Hernandez, we prayed, sang, breathed, and moved, inviting the Holy Spirit into our deliberations.
- We engaged in anti-bias training: This was an interactive session and discussion exploring unconscious bias, fostering inclusive practices, and supporting objective candidate evaluation using case studies and self-assessment exercises.
- We reviewed the evaluation criteria for candidates: Using collaborative activities to identify, define, and prioritize key evaluation criteria for candidates through group discussion, consensus-building, and engaging in exercises applying the criteria.
- We assessed mock material to prepare for interviews: Conducted in a Small group evaluation of written samples, we then revisited and refined the evaluation criteria based on group experiences and insights.
As we take this next important step in our search process, we ask everyone across the Diocese to continue to hold our future Bishop in prayer - that the Holy Spirit may guide us to a faithful, wise, and loving leader for this next chapter in our common life.
We thank you and ask for your continued prayers, faithfulness, and support in this holy work.
In Christ,
The Search Committee for the Ninth Bishop of Long Island