To insure everyone in the diocese has an opportunity to participate in the search for a new Bishop, the Standing Committee has developed a Petition Process. The Nominating Committee will announce their candidates in early June of 2008.  From then until June 30, 2008, interested parties may submit names that they feel may have been overlooked.

The Petition Process follows. A Petition Nomination Form and the required questions will be posted on the Bishop Search web site when the Nominating Committee candidates are announced.

Petitions must be submitted by June 30, 2008, following the release of the candidates’ names by the Nominating Committee in early to mid June.

Petitions must be submitted by six persons (three clergy and three lay delegates to Council and representing, in both orders, no less than three congregations).

Identical written questions submitted to official nominees from the Nominating Committee are to be forwarded to the nominee and the answers returned directly to the Rev. Dr. Stan Sawyer as indicated on the Nomination Form.  They must be received no later than July 10, 2008.

Background checks will be required from the Oxford Management Company. The Standing Committee will be responsible for this.

Delegates and the diocese will have access to the same information about the nominee as they have about the official nominees.

Nominees by petition will fully participate in Presentation of Nominee (Walk Abouts) events.