FAQs
What is the timeline for the search?
The following timeline outlines the significant milestones in the process of selecting the next Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama. It provides key dates and stages, from the initial call for election to the final ordination of the Bishop-elect, offering transparency and keeping the diocese informed throughout this important journey. December 16, 2024: The Standing Committee adopts resolution to proceed with the transition process, leading to the selection and seating of the 13th Bishop of Alabama. Read the resolution. January 30, 2025: February 1, 2025: Bishop Curry calls for election of 13th Bishop at Diocesan Convention. February – March 2025: Standing Committee appoints Search Committee and Transition Committee. May 9, – May 10, 2025: Joint Retreat for Standing, Search & Transition Committees. June – July 2025: Listening Sessions are conducted around the diocese. August 20, 2025: Diocesan Profile completed. August 28 ‐ September 22, 2025: Applications & nominations accepted. October 2025: Search Committee interviews applicants. November 21‐23, 2025: Discernment Retreat with potential candidates; top three candidates are identified. By November 24, 2025: Finalists (3–5) submitted to Standing Committee. By December 10, 2025: Psychological evaluations due by candidates. December 17, 2025: Slate of candidates announced by Standing Committee. December 17‐21, 2025: Petition nominations accepted by Standing Committee. December 22, 2025: Petition candidates announced (pending final review and evaluations). 2026 January 3, 2026: Walkabout at St. Luke’s Birmingham for clergy and convention delegates. January 24, 2026: Electing Convention at Cathedral Church of the Advent. June 26‐27, 2026: Ordination of Bishop‐elect by Presiding Bishop (pending consents & approval).
What are Nominee and Petition Candidates?
There are two potential types of candidates. The nominee process is opened on August 28, 2025, and closes on September 22. In that time, potential nominees submit applications, including responses to a questionnaire, for consideration in the search process. After that period closes, potential nominees are reviewed, initial interviews are held, and background checks are completed. The Search Committee works extensively to find the best candidates for the Diocese and invites them to a Discernment Retreat in which the Committee then identifies the top three to five candidates. The names of those candidates are given to the Standing Committee, which then does further vetting through psychological profiles before releasing the slate. Upon the release of the slate of candidates, a five day Petition Period is open to allow any petition candidates to be brought forward. At the close of the Petition Period, petition candidates are added to the slate with the caveat that they too must pass all background checks. Petition candidates are treated exactly the same as nominee candidates, including responding to the questionnaire and being assigned a shepherd. Once their background checks are completed, they may then be cleared to participate in the Walkabout.
What is the Petition Process?
In order to file as a petition candidate, a person must complete the application, respond to the questionnaire, and identify twelve persons (six clergy and six lay) as well as one youth across a diverse geographical region of our Diocese who will sign their petition. Petition candidates may only put forth their petitions during the Petition Period as defined above. Upon entering the petition process, they are announced at the close of the Petition Period with the caveat that they pass their background checks. Upon successful completion of the background check, the Standing Committee may then clear them to be a part of the Walkabout and Election.
Definition of a Delegate to the Voting Convention
The election of a Bishop takes place within the context of the Diocesan Convention. The Rt. Rev. Glenda Curry did not adjourn our recent convention. The 2025 Diocesan Convention will reconvene at the Cathedral on Saturday, January 24, 2026 for the election, approximately a week and a half before our 2026 Diocesan Convention on February 5-7. In handling the election in this way, we will not be distracted by the details of business we entertain at our annual convention. Each parish will send Certified Voting Delegates to the Walkabout at St. Luke’s - Birmingham on January 3, 2026, as well as to the election. The Certified Voting Delegates are the elected/appointed delegates who physically attended and actually sat on the floor of the 2025 Convention, even if they were the alternates. These people remain the Certified Voting Delegates.
What is the "Walkabout"?
The walkabout in the election process of an Episcopal bishop is a time during which candidates meet with members of the diocesan community, including clergy and laypeople, to share their vision, answer questions, and engage in conversations. This process allows clergy, lay people, and electing convention delegates to get to know the candidates beyond their credentials, fostering deeper understanding and connection. The walkabout for our election will take place on January 3, 2026 at St. Luke's Birmingham.
How do I nominate someone or apply?
Nominations may be submitted by a layperson, bishop, priest or deacon of The Episcopal Church, as well as any other interested individuals. To nominate someone fill out the online nomination form (link below), and submit it between August 28 through September 22, 2025. To apply, fill out the online application form found below and submit it between August 28-September 22, 2025.
