Bishop Suffragan Search Process
Nominating Committee Announces Slate for Bishop Suffragan
After 11 months of prayerful discernment, the Nominating Committee for Bishop Suffragan announces the following slate of nominees. Learn more about the candidates and the nomination process in the Final Report of the Nominating Committee, and get to know the nominees during a series of walkabouts around the Diocese in March.
The Rev. Randy Alexander
Rector of Christ Church, Pelham
Diocese of New York
The Rev. Canon Susan Goff
Canon to the Ordinary
Diocese of Virginia
The Very Rev. David May
Rector of Grace Church, Kilmarnock
Diocese of Virginia
The Very Rev. Dr. Hilary Smith
Rector of St. Paul’s on-the-Hill, Winchester
Diocese of Virginia
The Very Rev. Shirley Smith Graham
Rector of St. Martin’s, Williamsburg
Diocese of Southern Virginia
The Rev. Canon Sue Sommer
Subdean and Canon Pastor of Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral
Diocese of West Missouri
Who Can Vote in the Electing Council?
The electing Council will take place on Saturday, April 21 at St. George's, Fredericksburg. Learn more in this letter from the secretary.
- If a church elects a new delegate and reports it to the secretary's office prior to the Electing Council, that newly elected delegate votes.
- If a church does not elect a new delegate, the delegate that served at the last Annual Council votes.
- All regions can elect youth delegates to vote at the electing Council. Regions 1, 4, 7, 12 and 15 need not do so, as they already have youth delegates.
- Other members ex officio of Council by virtue of their diocesan office are only those currently serving in those offices.
- Download Communicants in Good Standing Form
- Download Certificate of Election
- Download Certificate of Election for Youth
Nominations by Petition
The petition process for nominees for bishop suffragan is now closed, and no petition nominations have been received. Learn more.
Educational Materials
The Nominating Committee for Bishop Suffragan has prepared several educational materials to support this process. These materials serve to spiritually prepare our diocese for the election, to provide an opportunity for parishes to learn about the important role bishops play in the life of the Church and to educate those voting in the election on the role of the bishop.
Bulletin Inserts
- What is the Process for Electing our Bishop Suffragan?
- What is a Bishop?
- What is a Bishop Suffragan?
- Why are Bishops Important?
- How are Bishops Ordained in the Episcopal Church?
- What is the Role of Bishops Today?
- What Kind of Person Should We be Looking for in our Next Bishop Suffragan?
Curriculum for Adult Education Forums
Timeline
- The Nominating Committee received survey responses from the Diocese of Virginia from May 1-May 26.
- The Nominating Committee received nominations, which includes the receipt of completed packets from potential nominees, July 1-31, 2011.
- The Nominating Committee presented a slate of six nominees on February 3, 2012.
- Walkabouts for the nominees will take place:
March 19, St. Paul's, Ivy, 7-9:30 p.m.
March 20, Christchurch School, Christchurch, 1-3:30 p.m.
March 20, St. George's, Fredericksburg, 7-9:30 p.m.
March 21, Christ Church, Winchester, 7-9:30 p.m.
March 22, Good Shepherd, Burke, 7:30-10 p.m.
March 23, St. James's, Richmond, 7-9:30 p.m. - The election for the bishop suffragan will take place Saturday, April 21, 2012 at St. George's, Fredericksburg.
- The consecration will occur on July 28, 2012 with the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop, joining us at St. Paul's, Richmond.
Nomination Process
The Nominating Committee received names for consideration July 1-31.The Diocese of Virginia Profile Survey gave members of the Diocese an opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions on the current performance of the Diocese and what members think are important characteristics in the future new Bishop Suffragan. The survey, which was conducted online between May 1-26, collected a total of almost 1,100 complete responses.
View Profile Online (Text-only availabile in English & Spanish)
View Executive Summary of Survey Results
Contact the Nominating Committee via e-mail: vasuffragan(at)gmail(dot)com. Contact the Transition Committee via e-mail: suffragan_transition@thediocese.net.


