Preparing for Our Next Bishop

A Letter from the Standing Committee

As you read in the Communique last week, our diocese has begun preparing for our next bishop. The Standing Committee is responsible for leading us through the many steps between now and when we ordain and consecrate our next bishop in early 2024, and we commit to sharing timely updates with you as the work unfolds. Any of us are happy to receive your questions or feedback at any time.

We have received guidance from The Rt. Rev. Todd Ousley, the member of the Presiding Bishop’s staff who oversees bishop transitions, and our immediate next step is to select a consultant to shepherd us through this 18-month process. For now, we plan to meet weekly to put the necessary steps in motion.

The election of our next bishop will be made by lay and clergy delegates in a specially-called convention. Part of the Standing Committee’s organizing work includes appointing two committees, representative of the diocese: the Search and Nomination Committee and the Transition Committee. The Search and Nomination Committee will be responsible for interviewing and selecting a group of candidates to present to the Standing Committee, who in turn will introduce candidates to the diocese. The Transition Committee will plan events to help the diocese get to know the candidates, as well as organize the ordination and consecration of the new bishop. These two groups will assist the Standing Committee with the holy work of listening to God, to the people of the diocese, and to those who may be called to serve as the next bishop of Arkansas.

Please join us in prayer for Bishop Benfield, the diocesan staff, and the diocese as a whole during this period of transition. We are hopeful and energized as we build on Bishop Benfield’s sound leadership and look to the next chapter of shared ministry across our state.