Congratulations to
our next Bishop
​
​The Very Reverend Richard T. Lawson, III was elected to become the thirteenth diocesan Bishop of Alabama at the Electing Convention held on January 31, 2026 at the Cathedral Church of the Advent in Birmingham. He will succeed the Rt. Rev. Glenda Curry after he is ordained and seated.
To be elected, a candidate was required to receive a simple majority of votes from both clergy and lay delegates, voting separately on the same ballot. Reverend Lawson was elected on the 1st ballot, receiving 108 clergy votes and 184 lay votes.
“We rejoice in the leadership that Reverend Lawson will bring to this ministry, and we give thanks to all who worked faithfully throughout the process of discerning and electing our new Bishop-elect. We ask for your continued prayers for him and for his family,” said Maibeth Porter, president of the Standing Committee.
The consecration of our thirteenth bishop will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at the Cathedral.
KEY DATES IN OUR TIMELINE
Profile Released: August 20, 2025
Applications Accepted: August 28 - September 22, 2025
Candidate Interviews: October 2025
Discernment Retreat: November 21 - 23, 2025
Slate Announced, Petition Process Begins: December 17, 2025
Petition Process Ends: December 21, 2025
Walkabout: January 3, 2026
Election Convention: January 24, 2026
Ordination: June 26 - 27, 2026
View the profile here
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a Bishop for The Diocese of Alabama, that we may receive a faithful pastor who will preach the Gospel, care for your people, equip us for ministry, and lead us forth in fulfillment of the Great Commission;
through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
(the Book of Common Prayer, page 818)
A PRAYER FOR THE ELECTION OF A BISHOP
