Westerm MA: Episcopal Diocese set to announce 5 bishop nominees

New local leader will be elected June 2
By Bronislaus B. Kush

Excerpt:
The process to find a replacement formally began last August with the appointment of Search and Transition committees.

“At this point, we’re coming near the end of our search for a new spiritual leader,” said the Rev. Tanya Wallace, the chairman of the Transition Committee and rector of All Saints Church in South Hadley.

Church officials released no information about the candidates, but, in a profile composed to help potential candidates learn more about the diocese, leaders and members said they wanted to become a more “faithful diocese.”

“And we seek a faithful bishop who will come among us not to be served but to serve with us in proclaiming and interpreting the good news of Jesus Christ in a changing world, someone who is willing to listen to all perspectives,” said the profile. the rest

Church officials said the new bishop will face daunting tasks, including turning around congregations with massive membership declines and repairing deteriorating church plants.

Over the past 10 years, average Sunday attendance has plummeted and 15 congregations have been deemed “at risk.”

A number of Episcopal churches have also closed over the past few years.