The Rt. Rev. Shannon S. Johnston, Bishop of Virginia, writes to his diocese:
While it is true that some of my colleagues in the House of Bishops encouraged me to allow my name to go forward in the search process, and my name was submitted to the Committee, I am very clear and comfortable in my decision not to participate in this discernment. Therefore, I will not be considered as a possible nominee.
Given that the colleagues who encouraged me in this are people whose confidence in me and friendship I value so greatly, I approached this decision very deliberately and prayerfully over a period of time. In the end, the answer was clear; I am convinced that I was called and ordained to be Bishop of Virginia, and I intend to fulfill this great trust, privilege and responsibility for many years to come.
