In its search for a tenth bishop, the Diocese of the Rio Grande has posted an online profile and will accept applications until Oct. 14.
The diocese plans to announce nominees on March 19, and an electing convention is scheduled for May 5.
The diocese’s application asks for essay responses of 250 words to these questions:
- What are the most important attributes that a bishop brings to his/her calling and what special gifts underscore your call to the Diocese of the Rio Grande?
- Jesus asked, “Who do you say that I am?” How do you answer that question? How would you describe the significance of Jesus’ death and resurrection?
- A bishop is called to “guard the faith, unity, and discipline of the Church” (BCP p. 517). How do you understand this charge as it relates to the current challenges within the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion? Give examples of how you have exercised leadership in the Church.
- The Diocese of the Rio Grande is a geographically massive and culturally diverse diocese, with a combination of urban and rural/frontier congregations. How might you apply your experience to the realities of our situation?
- Based on your reading of our diocesan profile and any other knowledge that you have, what do you see as your greatest challenge as the bishop of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, and what excites you about becoming our bishop?
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.
