The Episcopal Diocese of Georgia opened the search process for its 11th bishop on May 8.The diocesan profile is available on the search website. It states:
We believe that God is calling us into more honest relationship with one another, so that we may move beyond polite conversations to experiences of actual transformation. As the Greeks said to Philip, “We wish to see Jesus.”
To accomplish that goal, God first calls us into ever deeper and more authentic relationship with Jesus as our Lord and Savior. We seek:
A better understanding, both within and beyond church walls, of our Episcopal identity, with full involvement of all four orders of ministry — laity, bishops, priests and deacons.
A stronger will and greater capacity for effective evangelism in a skeptical culture.
Theological literacy in our churches.
To be formed by excellent preaching and worship as set forth in the Book of Common Prayer.
A fuller sense of discipleship through ongoing spiritual formation for both lay and ordained leaders.
For our youth, deeper spiritual formation and a closer relationship with their bishop.
To develop Honey Creek as the diocesan center for formation of youth and adults.
Ways to continue ministry in areas where the expense of a priest is prohibitive.
Nomination and applications form are available here.
Nominations and applications will be received until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7. The search committee will announce the slate of candidates September 1, walkabouts will take place in late October, and the electing convention is scheduled for November 16-17.
Matthew Townsend is a Halifax-based freelance journalist and volunteer advocate for survivors of sexual misconduct in Anglican settings. He served as editor of the Anglican Journal from 2019 to 2021 and communications missioner for the Anglican Diocese of Quebec from 2019 to 2022. He and his wife recently entered catechism class in the Orthodox Church in America.
