Posted Saturday 19 September 2009
The election of a bishop is governed by Canon 4 of the Canons of the Scottish Episcopal Church and is led by the Primus.
Bishop David explained the process to members of Synod and responded to questions. Synod members also took part in discussion about the needs of the diocese.
Referring to the Canon 4 process, the Primus said:
‘I was delighted to be with members of Synod today and we are all glad that the process of choosing a successor to Bishop Idris is now under way. The Preparatory Committee will now get down to the work of responding to the nominations which are received. The task of the Committee is to commend between three and five candidates to the Electoral Synod. The Electoral Synod will meet with the candidates in January.
I reminded members that this is ultimately a process of vocational discernment – discernment for the diocese and for the candidates. I ask the clergy and people of the diocese to pray throughout this process for who are involved – both Synod members and candidates. We seek God’s will for the future.’
PREPARATORY COMMITTEE
The composition of the Preparatory Committee is defined by Canon 4 and includes members determined at both Provincial level and from the Diocese. The members of the committee are as follows:
Convener
The Primus - The Most Revd David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane
Nominated by the College of Bishops
The Rt Revd Dr Robert Gillies, Bishop of Aberdeen and Orkney
Elected Glasgow and Galloway Diocesan Representatives
Jamie Hill
The Revd Darren McFarland
The Revd Scott Robertson
David Rose
Provincial Panel for Episcopal Elections (Nominated by the Provincial Standing Committee)
Hilary Gibson, Diocese of Brechin
Graeme Hely, Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway
The Revd Canon Valerie Nellist, Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane
The Revd Kenny Macaulay, Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway
The Revd Canon John Walker, Diocese of Aberdeen and Orkney
Diocesan Officials
David Ballantine, Diocesan Registrar
Gib Fitzgibbon, Diocesan Secretary
Lord Robin McEwan, Diocesan Assessor
As the Primus indicated, the Preparatory Committee will now receive and respond to nominations with a view to publishing the list of candidates in December. The dates associated with the process are as follows:
21 Sep 2009 - Nominations invited
14 Oct 2009 - Closing date for nominations
16 Oct 2009 - Second Meeting of the Preparatory Committee
20 Nov 2009 - Third Meeting of the Preparatory Committee (first screening of applications)
7&8 Dec 2009 - Fourth Meeting of the Preparatory Committee (interviewing applicants)
12 Dec 2009 - Publication of the list of candidates
9 Jan 2010 - Meeting of Electoral Synod with Candidates
16 Jan 2010 - Election Meeting of the Electoral Synod
You are asked to hold the Preparatory Committee and the applicants in prayer as they undertake this process.
Category: Bishop's Office, Diocesan Synod, Scottish Episcopal Church
