Dear Ones of St. Columba's,

This afternoon the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland announced the slate of candidates who will stand for election as their Bishop Co-Adjutor and then as their next Bishop Diocesan. I am one of the candidates who is on this slate. I have been in discernment with the Diocese of Maryland for several months now and finally I am able to share this news with you. In this letter I want to make sure you understand what it means that I am on a bishop slate, as well as what it does not mean. And, I want you to know that I love St. Columba's so very much. If I am worthy of consideration as bishop, it is in large part because of how well you have taught me to be a priest. 

What does it mean for someone to be on a bishop slate? In the Episcopal church, we elect our bishops. Our own diocese will be going through this process sometime in the immediate future.  Here is what happens: delegates from each congregation alongside the clergy of the diocese consider a slate of candidates and vote to elect one of them bishop. There needs to be a majority from both clergy and lay in order for someone to be elected. I am one of four candidates on Maryland's slate. The process needs to be public so that the people of Maryland can get to know their options. Only one of us will be their next bishop, the other three will remain in their current calls. This is public and vulnerable process for the candidates. And, I am proud that we have this open process for calling people to such positions of authority within our church. 

What does it mean for me to be on a bishop slate? Well, it is very public, and I will be under a spotlight. This means that St. Columba's may also experience higher traffic on our websites, or more folks popping in to our livestream worship. Delegates and clergy of the diocese of Maryland will be discouraged from directly contacting candidates, but I expect there will be some internet research going on.  At some point in the next few months Andrew and I will go to Maryland along with the other candidates and their spouses for several days of "meet and greets" where the people of Maryland will have a chance to get to know all of us, and we will get to know them. This is a process of discernment and we are discerning alongside and with many others: other candidates and spouses as well as the delegates and clergy of Maryland. 

What does it mean for St. Columba's, for me to be on a bishop slate? It means that we are now together in a period of not-knowing about the future of our life as vicar and congregation. We will find out together, on March 25th when the Diocese of Maryland elects their next bishop. Dear ones, I wish this part of it were easier. I wish you did not have to be in this not-knowing space with me. But I confess I am also glad that we can walk this part of the road together. It is not easy for me to think of leaving you and I will share that as excited as I am for the possibilities in Maryland I have also felt deeply each step of the way how much of a loss it will be when, someday in a future that may or may not be this spring, God calls me away from you. 

This Sunday after each service I'll be available in the fellowship hall for a processing time. Grab a coffee or tea and come ask me anything, tell me anything, and let's get used to this news together.  And, as we continue to travel this road of not-knowing, please remember I love being your priest. That means I want to know what you're feeling, whatever you are feeling, and I want to process this with you. I'll answer every question I can to the best of my ability. 

With care and gratitude,

Alissa