Dear Diocese of North Carolina,
The Standing Committee would like to share an update and announcement regarding the work that has been happening to this point. Following Bishop Sam’s news, the Standing Committee immediately began the process that will eventually lead to the election of a new bishop. This entailed learning our roles, responsibilities and the overall process beginning to end; meeting with consultants guiding initial steps; and ascertaining diocesan communication channels by which the Standing Committee could be in touch with the diocese.
By August 5, the Standing Committee had identified and invited four co-chairs (outside the Standing Committee) to lead each of the two main committees: the Rev. Stephanie Yancy and the Rev. Robin Sands (Search Committee) and the Rev. David Umphlett and the Rev. Nick VanHorn (Transition Committee).
After organizing an application process and form, a three-week window (August 3-25) began during which the Standing Committee received more than 70 applications from across the diocese for individuals to serve on one of the two committees. At the close of the window on August 25, the Standing Committee began meeting with the co-chairs to discern rosters. This was a holy process as we utilized a broad range of considerations, criteria and lenses from the applications we received that would most widely reflect the diverse gifts and expressions of the people from across the diocese. This will empower the committees to most deeply plumb the wealth of the faith in discerning the Spirit’s call to our next bishop.
At this time we are pleased to share with you the rosters for your Search and Transition Committees:
SEARCH COMMITTEE
The Rev. Stephanie Yancy, co-chair
The Rev. Robin Sands, co-chair
Sarah Barton
Beth Crow
Eunice Jones-Obeng
The Rev. Pamela Haynes
The Rev. Chipper Long
The Rev. Greg McIntyre
DeeDee Nachman
Ronald Penny
The Rev. Morris Thompson
Linda Watt
Mary Wellman
The Rev. Lauren Winner
TRANSITION COMMITTEE
The Rev. David Umphlett, co-chair
The Rev. Nick VanHorn, co-chair
The Rev. Matt Addington
Elaine Bayless
The Rev. Valerie Davis
Lyn Holt
Alice Freeman
Peter Macon
Kristoff Strachan
The Rev. Susan Schrader
Anne Vani-Obey
The Rev. Kristin Whittaker
The next step will be for all three committees to convene with our consultants on September 19 for a leadership retreat. At that time, all three committees will be working together, and the Search Committee’s responsibilities will commence in earnest. Stay tuned for further updates.
We appreciate your patience as the search process evolves. It is demanding work and not without complexities. Thank you for your grace and for your prayers, especially for these newest committee members. God’s blessings upon you all and upon the Diocese of North Carolina.
In Christ,
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of North Carolina
