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Dear Diocesan Family:
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The Standing Committee has worked diligently with the Presiding Bishop’s Office since August 3, 2018 to identify a candidate to serve as our Bishop Provisional. The requirements for a previously consecrated, experienced bishop who would not reach age 72 before the end of the proposed term, and who would be willing to move to Virginia quickly for a term-limited position, made the pool of potential candidates a small one. Our hope was that we would be able to present a name to the Convention for election. We interviewed some outstanding candidates, but those bishops have concluded, through their own discernment processes, that they could not come to Virginia at this time.
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The Standing Committee will continue to work with the Presiding Bishop’s office to discern the correct person to work with us as this Diocese moves forward doing the good work of the Holy Spirit following Bishop Shannon’s resignation. In the meantime, in accordance with Articles IX and XV of the Constitution of the Diocese of Virginia, Ecclesiastical Authority is temporarily conferred on the Bishop Suffragan, the Rt. Rev. Susan E. Goff. Bishop Susan, the Standing Committee and the Executive Board will continue to work together in faith to keep the ministry of this Diocese moving smoothly during this time of transition.
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Your Sister in Christ,
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Helen K. Spence, President
Standing Committee
