Dear Siblings in Christ,
The Standing Committee is pleased to announce the members of the Search Committee for the 14th Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia.
The Rev. Deacon Emmetri Beane, St. Stephen’s, Culpeper
Brad Davenport, Grace & Holy Trinity, Richmond
The Rev. Will Dickinson, St. George’s, Fredericksburg
Francisco Escobar, St. Mark’s, Alexandria
The Rev. Deacon Christine Garcia, Christ Ascension, Richmond
The Rev. Deacon Frederico Garza, St. Philip’s, Richmond and Food for the Poor
Maggie Keller, St. John’s, McLean
Carolyn Lanier, St. Philip’s, Richmond
The Rev. Will Peyton, St. Paul’s Memorial, Charlottesville
The Rev. Scott Parnell, Ware Church, Gloucester
The Rev. Elizabeth Rees, St. Paul’s, Alexandria
Rebecca Shannon, Canterbury, Harrisonburg
The Rev. Rosemari Sullivan, Immanuel Church on the Hill, Alexandria
Rushad Thomas, Grace, Alexandria
The Standing Committee extends its gratitude to all applicants for the Search Committee. The depth of talent, passion, qualification, and creativity made this choice difficult. Through prayer, discernment, and the guiding hand of the Holy Spirit, we called a committee of clergy and lay that represents the fullness and diversity of the Diocese of Virginia.
The Standing Committee is committed to building the necessary foundation for a successful Search and Transition process. After much prayer and reflection, we engaged a Bishop’s Search Consultant, The Rev. Dr. Ann Hallisey. She will work closely with the committee as it fills several duties including but not limited to: listening to voices from across the Diocese; to be in holy discernment for God’s call for the Diocese; and prayerfully seek the most qualified candidates that align with our newly created diocesan profile. In addition, The Rev. Ben Campbell will serve as the Chaplain to the Search Committee. His role will be to keep the committee’s focus on the spiritual nature of the search process to ensure it is Spirit filled and led.
Though the Search Committee will lead this work, all members of the Diocese of Virginia must engage the process to be successful. A newly created page on the diocesan website will include all information about the process including updates, resources, and the profile when created.
Please keep our Search Committee, the Standing Committee, and our Diocese in your prayers during this time of discernment.
A Prayer for the Search for a New Bishop
Almighty God, Shepherd and Bishop of our souls, who calls, guides and empowers us as your Church: Create in us discerning minds as we seek to elect a bishop in this diocese. So many issues are open before us; so many wounds that need healing; so many gifts that need celebrating. Bless and continue the good work begun in your name, and open our ears to the hurts and hopes around us; broaden our vision to see what we do not want to see; and enliven our hearts with honesty and compassion to do the hard work that lies before us. Guide us as we seek an inspirational leader and willing advocate to help us meet the challenges, and lead us to become the people you have equipped us to be in your service. All this we pray through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen
Faithfully,
Members of the Standing Committee