Bishop Search
Welcome!
The Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania has entered a process of discernment towards calling our next bishop diocesan. We invite you to join us in prayer as we journey through this season in our life together, trusting the Spirit is at work among us, giving us vision and wisdom. We are excited about how God will move among us during this time and look forward to discovering who God is calling to serve as our next bishop. Updates and information will be posted here, as well as our diocesan profile.
The Standing Committee is pleased to announce the final slate of candidates for the 9th Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania. It was previously announced that the Rev. Dr. Jenifer Chatfield of the Diocese of Los Angeles and the Very Rev. Molly Payne-Hardin of the Diocese of Central New York were endorsed for the slate. During the petition period, the Rev. Canon Stacey Fussell was added to the slate, after approval from the Standing Committee.
Meet Your Candidates
The Rev. Dr. Jenifer Chatfield
Rector, St. Edmund’s Episcopal
Church in San Marino, CA
The rev. canon
Stacey fussell
Rector, Episcopal Church of
the Ascension Bradford, PA
The Very Rev. Molly
Payne-Hardin
Rector, Trinity Church in Watertown, NY
Let us discern together whom God is calling to serve as our next bishop.
Faithfully,
The Standing Committee
Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania
Candidate Meet & Greet Schedule
An important part of the bishop search process is the opportunity for the final candidates to visit the diocese, meet with clergy and diocesan committees, and spend time with members of the wider community.
We invite you to attend one of the following gatherings:
July 7, 6-8 PM
Resurrection, Hermitage
July 8, 6-8 PM
St. Mark’s, Erie
July 9, 6-8 PM
St. Luke’s, Smethport
Each evening will feature candidate reflections on a different topic, offering a unique experience at every event. There will also be time for fellowship and personal interaction. All sessions will be livestreamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person.
You are also invited to submit questions in advance. Since each evening will center on a specific theme, the search committee will organize and assign questions accordingly. While we may not be able to include every submission, we will do our best to address common themes.
Questions may be submitted through May 31.
Please RSVP by July 1 so that our hosting congregations can prepare.
Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania Profile
The Search Committee is excited to announce the posting of our Diocesan Profile, which inaugurates the application process for potential candidates. While the profile presents the region as a whole and the character and story of this diocese, the core of the profile is the priorities we seek in our next bishop. Those priorities were derived from your input through listening sessions, surveys, and diocesan convention. The profile reflects your voice: what you see as our challenges and what you name as your hopes for this diocese.
