Episcopal Press and News

SPRINGFIELD: Bishop search process underway in Illinois diocese

Episcopal News Service. March 11, 2010 [031110-04]

ENS staff

The deadline for receiving nominations for the election of the 11th bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield, Illinois, is April 12.

The process to elect a new bishop began late last year after Bishop Peter H. Beckwith, who was consecrated Bishop of Springfield on Feb. 29, 1992, announced his retirement, effective Feb. 1.

"In a general sense, I think most people want a bishop who is a pastor to both the clergy and people, someone who can communicate with them, and who will try to see how best we can increase membership in the diocese," said the Very Rev. Dr. Anthony B. Holder, president of the diocesan standing committee.

"Right now, the major thing is still to have a pastor who will listen to people of all walks of life in the diocese."

He said that the results of a diocesan survey, still being tabulated, will be available next week. Those results will be included in a diocesan profile that will be posted on the website.

Nomination packets are available on the diocesan website. Bishop nominees will have until May 13 to forward their information and supporting materials to the search committee.

A final slate of nominees is expected to be announced in early August. The next bishop is expected to be elected during the regular Sept. 17-18 annual convention gathering of the diocese, with the consecration planned for the spring of 2011.

The Diocese of Springfield was formally organized in 1877, when General Convention approved dividing the state into three dioceses. Its first bishop, the Rt. Rev. George F. Seymour, was consecrated on June 11, 1878, in Trinity Church, New York. He served as Bishop for almost 30 years,

Headquartered in the state's capital city, the diocese comprises 60 counties in the lower half of the state. It encompasses 38 congregations, including 20 mission churches, and 5,500 baptized Episcopalians.