Our first round of candidates are here!

we are so pleased that these folks are discerning with us

This is an exciting week in our search for the IX Bishop of Minnesota. The initial application process, which is now closed, resulted in the submission of 48 applications. The total number of candidates far exceeded our expectations. These forty eight individuals came to us in a variety of ways: recommendations from diocesan bishops, discernment with colleagues and parish leaders, encouragement by members of our congregations, networks throughout the country, clergy profiles from the Church Deployment Office, and simple word of mouth about our search website. They represent a mixture of men and women, diverse ethnic groups, straight and gay, Minnesotans and non-Minnesotans, and a wide range of experience in their service to the Episcopal Church. Please keep each of these persons in your prayers.

The members of your Bishop Search Committee are currently reviewing the applications and will meet on Saturday, February 28, at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis. The months ahead will see an intensification of the screening and interview processes that will ultimately lead to a slate of 3-5 final candidates from the search process. In addition to those eventual nominees for election, there will be an opportunity to add other nominees by a petition process established at the 2008 Diocesan Convention.