Bishop Transition

We are searching for a new Bishop for the Diocese of Western North Carolina! So, what does that mean, exactly? A Bishop is the guiding and overseeing leader of a Diocese in the Episcopal church. In fact, Episcopal Church literally means a church of Bishops. A Diocese is a community of congregations, usually organized by region. Our Diocese is composed of congregations in Western North Carolina. Our current Bishop, José McLoughlin, has been called to serve in a different capacity in The Episcopal Church, and we are searching for someone God is calling to be our Bishop in the next chapter of our Diocese’s ministry. The end of a Bishop’s ministry with a Diocese is an important opportunity to reflect on who we are as Christ’s Church now and on who God is calling us to become in the next season of our shared ministry. This transitional moment is important for all of us in the Diocese of Western North Carolina so that we move forward together prayerfully and faithfully.

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Bishops are called through a prayerful and thoughtful process of election. We trust that the Holy Spirit moves in this prayerful process as applicants offer up their names to a Search Committee that will consider the needs of the Diocese and the gifts of the applicants. Through this consideration, a few candidates will be presented to the Diocese to join in praying and listening for guidance. The Standing Committee will formally call for an Electing Convention in the Summer of 2027, and delegates from all the congregations, both Clergy and Lay, will elect the next Bishop from those candidates. In all this process, we continually pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us as we seek a Bishop to join us on our journey to follow Jesus.