Independent Nominations
Instructions and Requirements for Nominations
during the Independent Nomination Period, May 8-June 7, 2023
The Election of the X Bishop Diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany is governed by
- The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church
- The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany
- Rule 1A of the Convention of the Diocese of Albany
Best practices known to the Presiding Bishop’s Office of Diocesan Development and to bishop election consultants who work with that office are implemented as applicable.
Who may be nominated?
The Constitution and Canons of the Episcopal Church set the following requirements. A bishop must:
- be at least thirty years of age (Article II.2);
- be a priest in good standing, having “no impediment on account which [the priest] ought not be ordained to the Office of Bishop” (Testimonial of Election, Canon III.11.3(a)(3));
- have “sufficiency in learning, of such soundness in the Faith, of such Godly character as to be able to exercise the Office of a Bishop to the honor of God and the edifying of the Church, and to be a wholesome example to the flock of Christ.” (Testimonial of Election, Canon III.11.3(a)(3))
If the nominee is already a Bishop in The Episcopal Church, that person must have exercised jurisdiction as Ordinary, as Bishop Coadjutor, or as Bishop Suffragan of another diocese for at least five years preceding. (Article II.8).
Who may nominate or second a nomination?
A certified Deputy to the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Albany who is an adult member in good standing of a Congregation of this Diocese in union with the Convention. A Certificate of Election naming the Deputy must be on file with the Secretary of Convention at the time the nomination is received.
or
A priest or deacon canonically resident in the Episcopal Diocese of Albany.
No person may sign the nomination form for more than one nominee.
How to make a nomination:
The person being nominated, the person nominating, and the person seconding the nomination must complete and sign a Nomination Form (Nomination Form Link).
The original, completed and signed nomination form must be received by the Secretary of Convention no earlier than May 8, 2023, and no later than June 7, 2023.
The nominee must submit the following supporting elements concurrently with the nomination form.
It is preferable that these supporting elements be delivered electronically to the Secretary of Convention:
- a cover letter
- a résumé
- the nominee’s OTM portfolio
- an autobiographical sketch (one page or less)
- a head shot photograph
- written answers to essay questions (Bishop Candidate Essay Questions Link)
These submissions may appear in the Election Book and may be posted on one or more pages of the diocesan web site. Submissions may be edited for length, grammar, and style.
No nomination will be valid unless the nomination form is properly completed, and all supporting documents received, between May 8, 2023, and June 7, 2023.
After a valid nomination is received, the following additional requirements must be fulfilled:
- a background investigation
- a reference check with the nominee’s bishop or Transition Minister
- an interview with the Chancellor of the Diocese
- a medical examination
- a psychiatric examination
The nominee will be contacted with instructions regarding the satisfaction of these requirements.
Results of certain reviews may require follow-up with the nominee.
The nominee must also sit for the recording of an introduction video. The nominee will be contacted with instructions and to make arrangements.
Once the results of expert examinations and investigations are received,
The nominee will be contacted regarding the status of the nomination and to confirm their intention to continue. A nominee who continues will be listed among the candidates for X Bishop Diocesan of Albany.
Nominees will be briefed concerning dates and times for appearances around the Diocese and other opportunities to get to know us and for us to get to know them