Committee on Nominations Concluding Report to Standing Committee

On April 3, 2023, the Committee on Nominations for Bishop (“DCN”) submitted their Concluding Report, pursuant to Canon 5.4.F.viii of the Canons of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (“DOMA”). 

Sixth Report from the Committee on Nominations

The Committee on Nominations for Bishop (“DCN”) submits this sixth interim report, pursuant to Canon 5.4.F.iii of the Canons of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (“DOMA”.)  This report builds on the five prior reports and will not repeat any of the information set forth previously.

Please pray:

The Diocesan Committee on Nominations (DCN) gives thanks to God for each nominee; pray that we continue to discern God’s desires for our diocese. Please pray God’s blessing and protection for the nominees and their families as they keep their hearts and plans open to the Lord’s will.

Fifth Report from the Committee on Nominations

The Committee on Nominations for Bishop (“DCN”) submits this fifth interim report, pursuant to Canon 5.4.F.iii of the Canons of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (“DOMA”.)  This report builds on the four prior reports and will not repeat any of the information set forth previously.

Updated prayer:

• The Diocesan Committee on Nominations (DCN) gives thanks to God for each nominee in the discernment process.  

• Please pray for God’s blessing and continued protection for the nominees and their families as we discern God’s desires for our diocese.

Fourth Report from the Committee on Nominations

On behalf of the Diocesan Committee for Nominations (DCN), we earnestly desire prayer for nominees no longer in the discernment process, for nominees continuing with second interviews, and for committee members.  Please pray that the DCN’s discernment and actions align with his purpose and will for our diocese and for each remaining nominee.

Thank you for lifting this petition to him who continually conforms us into the image of Christ.

Third Report from the Committee on Nominations

The Committee on Nominations for Bishop (“DCN”) submits this third interim report, pursuant to Canon 5.4.F.iii of the Canons of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic (“DOMA”).  This report builds on the first and second interim reports of January 18 and February 4, 2022, respectively, and will not repeat any of the matters set forth previously. 

Second Report from the Committee on Nominations

Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic Committee on Nominations for Bishop
Second Interim Report to Diocese
February 4, 2022

First Report from the Committee on Nominations

The Diocesan Committee on Nominations (DCN) convened its initial meeting by Zoom on December 16, 2021. DCN held its first of two overnight retreats on January 7-8. Read the committee’s report using link below.

Invitation to Submit a Name

On December 21, the Committee on Nominations opened up the process to submit a name for consideration for nomination for Bishop. Read more here.

Members of the Committee on Nominations

On Dec. 8, 2021, the Standing Committee prayerfully selected the members of the Committee on Nominations. Please pray for each member as the committee forms and they begin their work.

View committee names here.

Invitation to Nominate Candidates for Committee on Nominations

To the Clergy and Senior Wardens of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic,

As you know, Bishop Guernsey has called for the start of the process leading to the election and consecration of his successor. A key step in that process is the formation of the Committee on Nominations, which will select at least 3 nominees for bishop who will be voted on by the Electing Synod, which will be held on October 15, 2022.

We are writing to invite you to suggest persons to serve on the Committee on Nominations. Information about the work of the Committee and the qualifications and duties of its members are attached.

Lay persons proposed for the Committee on Nominations must submit the following by November 30, 2021:

1. Signed application including a declaration that he/she affirms the Fundamental Declarations of the Diocese (Article I of the Diocesan Constitution) and the Standards of Morality and Ethics (Title II, Canon 5 of the Diocesan Canons). The Application Form is attached;

2. Letter of Recommendation submitted and signed by a Rector/Vicar of the Diocese and signed by the Senior Warden of the church.

3. Recent Photo.

Members of the clergy desiring to serve on the Committee on Nominations may nominate themselves and must submit the following by November 30, 2021:

1. Signed application including a declaration that he/she affirms the Fundamental Declarations of the Diocese (Article I of the Diocesan Constitution) and the Standards of Morality and Ethics (Title II, Canon 5 of the Diocesan Canons). The Application Form is attached.

2. Recent Photo.

In their Letter of Recommendation, Rectors/Vicars and Senior Wardens should address the "Qualifications for appointment to the Committee" found in the "Composition and Duties" document, highlighting any particular gifting the person would bring to the work of the Committee on Nominations. In addition, they are encouraged to indicate any person they think should be considered for the position of chair of the Committee on Nominations.

If you have questions about the formation of the Committee on Nominations, you may contact the Transition Manager, Mr. Rob Thomsen, rob@thomsens.net.

Yours in Christ,

Jim Osterhaus

Vice-Chair of the Standing Committee

Description & Duties of the Committee on Nominations

Committee on Nominations

Composition and Duties

(DOMA Canon Title 1A. Canon 5. Section 4)

 Composition 

The Committee on Nominations consists of five Clergy and six Laity. Lay members of the Committee on Nominations must be Eligible Voters in a Congregation or Mission of the Diocese who have been confirmed or received by a Bishop of the Province or another province of the Anglican Communion. Clergy members of the Committee on Nominations must be under the authority of the Bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic. 

The members and chair of the Committee on Nominations are appointed by the Standing Committee. 

Duties 

The Committee on Nominations is responsible for creating procedures and processes for the work of the committee subject to approval by the Standing Committee. The Committee on Nominations publishes the solicitation of nominations for Bishop and is responsible for receiving and considering all nominations. The Committee on Nominations will screen all names to determine whether they meet the criteria established by the Provincial and Diocesan Constitution and Canons. The Committee on Nominations may also establish other criteria as approved by the Standing Committee. 

Once a nominating process has begun, the Committee on Nominations will remain seated and will continue its work until the nominating process has been completed, an election has occurred, and the Bishop-elect consented to by the Provincial College of Bishops. 

Through a prayerful process of discernment, including due diligence, the Committee on Nominations will arrive at a slate consisting of no less than three candidates by July 17, 2022 for possible election by the special Electing Synod to be held on October 15, 2022. 

Requirements for nomination to the Committee 

Laity: 

1. Signed application including a declaration that he/she affirms the Fundamental Declarations of the Diocese (Article I of the Diocesan Constitution) and the Standards of Morality and Ethics (Title II, Canon 5 of the Diocesan Canons), 

2. Letter of Recommendation submitted and signed by a Rector/Vicar of the Diocese and signed by the Senior Warden of the church. 

3. Recent Photo. 

Clergy: 

1. Signed application including a declaration that he/she affirms the Fundamental Declarations of the Diocese (Article I of the Diocesan Constitution) and the Standards of Morality and Ethics (Title II, Canon 5 of the Diocesan Canons). 

2. Recent Photo. 

The Standing Committee at its discretion may request additional information from those seeking selection to the Committee on Nominations. 

Qualifications for appointment to the Committee 

The Standing Committee seeks leaders from throughout our Diocese. A representative group of men and women with a variety of ages and ethnicities is desired. 

To be a suitable candidate for the Committee on Nominations, a person must: 

• Be a person of prayer and strong faith;

• Be an eligible voter who has been received or confirmed by a Bishop of the Province or another province of the Anglican Communion;

• Be able to maintain strict confidentiality;

• Be able to work effectively as a member of a team;

• Be a spiritually mature disciple capable of spiritual discernment, able to lay aside personal preferences to seek God’s will;

• Be able to participate fully in the process that will lead to the nomination of candidates for bishop who will ordain both men and women to the diaconate and priesthood;

• Be comfortable using technology such as Zoom and Dropbox;

• Be available to attend weekly meetings via Zoom as well as in-person day-long or overnight retreats, particularly at the beginning and end of the selection process (schedule to be determined by the chair of the Committee on Nominations);

• Be willing to do extensive preparation including reading candidate submissions, interviews, and reference follow up;

• Be willing to travel, if necessary, to meet with candidates from other dioceses.

Members of the Committee should possess some knowledge of the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic beyond their own church. 

In addition, the following knowledge and skills are desired on the Committee but not required of each member: 

• Written communication skills;

• Administrative skills;

• Human resource experience;

• Interviewing skills;

• Understanding of the Anglican Church in North America and wider church polity.

Application for Committee on Nominations

Application for Committee on Nominations

Applications are due by November 30, 2021 in written or electronic form. (Download application for details.)