The Search Committee was elected by Diocesan Council in May and began its work in June. Using information compiled from the World Café exercise at Synod, and consultations with and written submissions from clergy and laity across the diocese, we compiled a Profile of the Diocese. The Profile is posted on the diocesan website (www.montreal.anglican.ca/electoralsynod), and I encourage you to read it, even though it is quite long, as it gives context for the questions we ask the candidates in the interviews.
We began receiving nominations December 1, and then began compiling the materials to aid Synod members in their process of discernment. You will find these materials on our diocesan website (www.montreal.anglican.ca/electoralsynod), including; their nomination form, their letter of application, in which they were instructed specifically to respond to the Profile, their curriculum vitae, their written responses to five questions which we asked of all candidates, and a video interview.
The Search Committee does not endorse or recommend any candidate. Those who appear on the ballot have met the canonical requirements, are priests in good standing, and have the necessary police background checks. We have not weighed other qualifications.
We strongly encourage all members of the Diocese, not just the Delegates who will be voting at Synod, to take time to review all the materials, and especially to watch the videos. The candidates all have different gifts, different strengths, and different styles of leadership. Ask yourselves, and ask one another: who has the gifts and strengths to serve and lead the diocese over the next five to ten years? Who is God calling to be our shepherd?
The election of a bishop is a sacred trust, requiring careful discernment in light of scripture, tradition, and the needs of the diocese. The Search Committee invites all members of the Diocese to engage deeply with the Profile as a guide for discernment, and to seek the wisdom of the Holy Spirit.
