As a diocese, we are undertaking the exciting process of spiritual discernment for new Episcopal leadership. Our bishop has announced his intention to retire in two years, and now we must plan accordingly. To that end, the Standing Committee of the diocese (the group canonically charged with the responsibility) has met twice since the bishop’s announcement, beginning the process that will culminate in the consecration of a new bishop for the Diocese of Kentucky.

We desire to follow a process that involves listening, speaking, mutual respect and prayer.  Such a process will be a community exercise, involving the whole diocese. To begin this undertaking, the Standing Committee has sought the counsel of the Chancellor of the Diocese and the Office of Pastoral Development of the College of Bishops of the Episcopal Church.

Having met with the consultant from the national church, the Standing Committee determined that we will follow their suggested process, which includes the formation of two parallel committees: the Transition Committee and the Search Committee.

The Transition Committee will be charged with the responsibility for the site selection for the consecration, supporting the incumbent, preparing for the electing convention, the presentation of the candidates (often called the "Walk About"), the celebration of the incumbent's retirement, planning the consecration of the new bishop, and supporting the new bishop and family in their transition to our diocese.

The Search Committee's duties will be more sharply focused: to search for and nominate the persons best suited to serve as bishop of the Diocese of Kentucky at this moment in time. This will involve surveying the members of the diocese to define the mission and ministries of our diocese. The survey will also shed light on the qualities of leadership desired in our bishop.

The Standing Committee is soliciting nominations for both of these committees.  We are seeking persons who are worthy of trust, committed to the welfare of the diocese of Kentucky, respectful of others, dependable, prudent and judicious.  Further, we hope to put together a balanced committee that as a whole is representative of the breadth of the diocese. Although the period between the beginning of the search and transition processes and the consecration of the new bishop usually spans nearly two years, the process involves a great deal of work and some travel.

Members of the committees will be prepared to devote substantial time to their work. They must be available for the retreat that will launch the search, at All Saints', Feb. 6-7, 2009.

Please send nominations for the search and the transition committees to the Standing Committee chair, the Rev. Dr. Bill Watson, at wwatson@gracehopkinsville.org or Grace Episcopal Church, 216 E. Sixth St., Hopkinsville, KY 42240. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 16, 2008.