The term of office for the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church is 9 years. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry’s term will end at the 81st General Convention next year, 2024, in Louisville, KY, and the next Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church will be elected.
While it is the House of Bishops that will elect the next Presiding Bishop, the House of Deputies will vote to confirm (or not confirm) the election. In this way, the selection of the Presiding Bishop is the work of the whole church.
It has been my deep honor to be serving as the Co-chair of the Joint Nominating Committee for the Election of the Presiding Bishop. It has been a lot of work, but good work and important work for the whole Church. The Committee has been intentional in our discernment to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit speaks from within the whole body of the Episcopal Church. I have appreciated and been inspired by hearing the faithful voices of sisters and brothers from across the Episcopal Church as they have shared their hopes, vision, and expectations for the leadership of the Presiding Bishop.
Although the election is a year away, I am asking the Diocese of Alaska to continue to participate in the work of discernment for the election of the next Presiding Bishop through prayer. The Joint Nominating Committee created the following prayer (Collect). Please include it regularly in your personal prayers and offer it within the Prayers of the People at Sunday worship.
Collect for the Election of the Presiding Bishop
Almighty God, source of all wisdom and understanding: Look graciously on your church, and so guide the hearts and minds of those who will choose our next Presiding Bishop, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will care for all of your people, equip us for our ministries, and proclaim your word to us and to the world, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
