On Saturday, August 5, 2023 members of the Bishop Search & Transition Committee met to take another step in the discernment of a proposed slate of candidates.
Prior to this meeting, the committee members were hard at work evaluating the materials from those candidates selected for the interview process. At the August 9 meeting, the committee agreed to move forward with six candidates to a shared discernment retreat.
The six candidates will attend the discernment retreat along with Bishop Search & Transition committee members at the Bishop’s Ranch to explore together the call of each candidate.
Following the discernment retreat, the committee will make its recommendation to the Standing Committee for a preliminary slate of candidates. Once approved, the slate will be announced on September 22, 2023. At this time, nominations of additional candidates to the slate by petition will be accepted until October 1, 2023. The final slate of candidates will be announced on October 27, 2023.
A series of Meet & Greet meetings at parishes across the diocese will take place November 3-5, 2023. Delegates to the Special Electing Convention and clergy will vote to elect the ninth bishop on December 2, 2023.
Following the election, standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction across The Episcopal Church will vote to offer their consent during a consent process.
Pending the consent of the church, the celebration of the ordination and consecration of the ninth bishop will take place on May 4, 2024. The newly ordained ninth bishop will serve as bishop coadjutor, and Bishop Marc will continue as bishop diocesan until his retirement commences on July 24, 2024.
This announcement invites a time of transition and prayer for Bishop Marc, Dr. Sheila, the candidates and their families, and for all in the Diocese of California during the search process for the ninth bishop.