The Diocese of Newark today released the names of the four candidates in its upcoming episcopal election. One of the candidates, the Very Rev. Canon Michael Barlowe, Congregational Development Officer for the Diocese of California, is a gay man whose partner is also an Episcopal priest. You can read about all four candidates here.
Another gay candidate, the Rev. Tracey Lind, dean of Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland had removed her name from consideration.
Barlowe was a candidate in the recent election in his home diocese, and didn’t run well. Whether that is significant, I don’t know. Sometimes a diocese decides to make a new start when a bishop leaves, and Barlowe works is on the staff of he retiring Bishop Bill Swing.
If he does get elected, I don’t think he will get a sufficient number of consents from diocesan bishops and standing committees, although, of course, I could be wrong.