Update from Standing Committee president about search for a provisional bishop

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

The Standing Committee met on Thursday, Sept. 10 at All Saints School to continue the process of discernment in the choice of our next provisional bishop. We have been working in consultation with the presiding bishop’s office to identify and interview suitable candidates.

After consultation with the Standing Committee Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will nominate the candidate to be presented at the annual convention for election by convention delegates. This will most likely happen two weeks before the Nov. 14 convention.

At some time prior to the convention an opportunity will be provided for all to meet the candidate.

The Standing Committee is seeking a bishop:

• with strong pastoral skills,
• who truly supports the ministry of all the baptized,
• who has successfully recruited healthy clergy,
• who supports, equips and enables lay leadership,
• who has enthusiasm and experience with campus ministry, and
• who can be with us for two weeks out of each month for a period of one to two years.

Most importantly of all we are seeking a bishop with a true love of Jesus Christ and a desire to reconcile the world to God through Christ.

We request the prayers of the diocese as we continue this process. May we be blessed with a gift of leadership for our diocese equal to that of Bishop Gulick.

The Rev. Fred Barber
President
Standing Committee
Episcopal Diocese of Fort Worth