Dear Friends in the Diocese of Olympia:
Greetings from the Transition Committee! We are glad to report to you that the members of the Transition Committee have met and organized ourselves to accompany the bishop candidates on the next steps of their journey and plan the Ordination and Consecration of the Bishop Diocesan scheduled to take place on September 14, 2024, at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, WA and the seating of the Bishop on September 15, 2024, at Saint Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle.
In the last several weeks, we have gathered and met one another virtually, prayed together, and invited each member to a sub-committee with responsibility for a particular portion of our work. In the weeks to come, as the slate of candidates for bishop is being finalized, we will be preparing to welcome the candidates to the diocese the week of April 29 for Meet and Greet sessions. The bishop election will take place May 18 at St. Mark’s Cathedral.
The Bishop Transition website is the best source of information about our bishop search. You can find key dates on the timeline on the website. The next date to keep in mind is February 29, when the Joint Board will announce the initial slate to the entire Diocese of Olympia. After that, we will have a short period of time known as a petition process, when other priests are able to submit their names for consideration. By April 18, we expect to know the final slate of candidates to be the 9th Bishop of Olympia, and the week of April 29 – May 3, you will have the opportunity to welcome them at Meet and Greet sessions in person at various locations around the Diocese. You will also have an opportunity to view Meet and Greet sessions online.
If you have questions for us, please email the co-chairs at bishoptransition@ecww.org. We will be in touch periodically as our work progresses, but we want to hear from you with concerns, questions, or ideas. We have committed to the work of the Holy Spirit in all of our decisions and actions, and your voices can help us hear the Spirit moving in our midst.
As our diocese continues this journey, please pray for us, the Transition Committee, as well as the entire Diocese. Please also pray for the clergy discerning a call to be our next bishop. May God grant us wisdom and grace.
Yours in Christ,
The Rev. Gen Grewell, Deacon
Eleanor Nelson
Co-Chairs, Transition Committee
Melanie Audette
Sherry Maple
Transition Committee Communication Sub-Committee
