Gideon's Letter Announcing Nomination

March 14, 2024

Dear Friends,

I want to share with you all that today, the Diocese of Massachusetts has announced that I am a candidate in their search for the 17th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts.

The slate of nominees includes three other very gifted and qualified priests and may expand to include candidates who are added to the slate by petition. The election for the 17th Bishop of Massachusetts will occur on May 18, 2024, following a series of opportunities to meet and greet the Diocese as a candidate in early May.

The Diocese of Massachusetts is a diocese of 160+ congregations spread across the eastern part of the state. It is one of the oldest and largest dioceses in the Episcopal Church, with a storied history and vibrant hopes for the future. I would never have expected to be drawn into their search, and my inclusion on the slate is an honor.

We have been down this road together before, and we all know from experience that inclusion on a slate is not the same as an election. I also know that my inclusion in this process will bring some anxiety and distraction into our life as a congregation. I thank God that we are ably served by gifted colleagues on the staff and steady governance from the Vestry. I know that we will weather this moment together and with God’s grace.

I ask you for your prayers for me, for my family, and for the church in this moment:

O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquility the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Faithfully yours,

Gideon

Diocese of Massachusetts Announcement of Preliminary Nominees