Virginia Coadjutor Nominating Committee Extends Deadline

Contact: Julian Bivins, (434) 978-4552, jmb7q@virginia.edu

The Nominating Committee for Bishop Coadjutor in the Diocese of Virginia has extended the deadline for nominations to September 13 to accommodate vacationing clergy and parishioners who were away in August. Screening and interviewing candidates will begin after that date. The Committee aims to have a slate of 3-5 nominees by November 15. In addition, nominees by petition will be received until December 1.

The 90,000-member Diocese comprises a diverse range of parishioners culturally and theologically. Clergy serve English, Spanish, Korean, and Vietnamese-speaking congregations. The Diocese also is at work in the Dominican Republic, Honduras, South Africa, Sudan, and Tanzania. The Dioceses of Virginia and Liverpool (Church of England) are engaged in innovative exchanges about ways to address racism. Congregations are partnered with parishes in the U.S. Gulf Coast, Belize, Guatemala, Uganda, and South Africa. The Diocese has responded to those of its congregations that feel alienated from the larger Episcopal Church with great pastoral care.

Through questionnaires and listening events the Nominating Committee has gathered the views of members to help discern the qualities sought in a new bishop. The diocesan profile has received positive reviews for its beauty and clarity. The document is available in print and online. Additional information, the profile and nomination forms are available at www.virginiabishop.info or may be requested by contacting the Nominating Committee by e-mail, phone or letter. (committee@virginiabishop.info; 800-DIOCESE ext.37; Bishop Coadjutor Nominating Committee, The Diocese of Virginia, 110 West Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23220-5095)

The Diocese will elect a Bishop Coadjutor at the 212th Annual Council January 26-27, 2007. Pending consents from a majority of bishops and dioceses, the Bishop Coadjutor-elect will be consecrated in May 2007 at Washington National Cathedral.