Search & Transition
Search and Transition Committee
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Northwestern Pennsylvania is thankful to announce that a Bishop Search and Transition Committee has been appointed.
After prayerful discernment and review of all submitted applications, we followed the Spirit in appointing nine members who reflect much of who our diocese is while recognizing that we also seek to be made a new creation in Christ.
The role of the Search and Transition Committee is to work on behalf of the Standing Committee to create and present a slate of candidates and to host the candidates in the diocese, providing opportunities for shared common discernment and learning, and a prayerful and successful electing convention. This will require a significant time commitment on the work of all members, and we covet your prayers on their behalf.
The committee consists of:
The Very Rev. Melinda Hall, Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie (chair)
Renee Gordon, St. Mark’s, Erie
Michel Harris, St. James’, Titusville
The Rev. Canon Martha Ishman, retired
The Rev. Tim Kroh, Our Saviour, DuBois
Ed Palattella, Cathedral of St. Paul, Erie
Caleb Raught, St. Luke’s, Smethport
The Rev. Canon Brian Reid, retired
Kaycee Reib, St. John’s, Franklin
Prayer for Discernment
We ask the diocese to incorporate this prayer for the Search and Transition Committee, and the diocese as a whole, into your regular prayers.
Creator God, who raises up shepherds for your Church, be with us in this time of discernment. Unite us as we seek a bishop who will know and love your people, proclaim your gospel, and guide us in faith and unity. Keep us mindful of those on the margins, and open our hearts to the Spirit’s leading, that we may find a pastor to help us live our baptismal covenant and share Christ’s renewing love. Through Jesus Christ, our rock and redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Diocesan profile
Friends in Christ,
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.
Please use the button to the left to find the profile. We hope that you will explore it and help us by sharing this profile in your Episcopal networks. We are receiving nominations and applications through February 2, at which time the Search Committee will review applications and proceed to interviews. We invite your continued prayers for this search process, particularly for those who read this profile and feel the nudge to apply and for this committee as we attune ourselves to the Spirit’s presence and calling.
Faithfully,
The Very Rev. Melinda Hall, Chair
Search Committee