Slate of Five for Rio Grande Bishop Election

From The Living Church-

The Episcopal Diocese of the Rio Grande has nominated five men — ranging in age from 43 to 61 — in its search for its ninth bishop.

The nominees are:

The Rev. Ellis Tucker Browerfind, rector, St. Luke’s, Alexandria, Va.
The Rev. James R. Harlan, rector, Church of the Ascension, Denver, Colo.
The Rev. Jedediah D. Holdorph II, rector, St. Mark’s, Medford, Ore.
The Rev. John S. Nieman, rector, Holy Trinity, Clemson, S.C.
The Rev. Dr. Michael Louis Vono, rector, St. Paul’s Within the Walls, Rome, Italy.

The diocese has released brief statements and resumes from each of the five nominees. It will accept nominations by petition until Feb. 1. The diocese has not released discussion questions, but certain themes emerged from the nominees’ statements and resumes.

Fr. Browerfind described his ministry style at St. Luke’s: “Liturgical exploration at a tolerable rate. Strengthen stewardship. Work with parishioners to offer pastoral care. Support strong commitment to diocese. Do not choose sides in current polarizing debates on social justice.”

Fr. Harlan emphasized church growth and pastoral care, writing that in his various ministries he has increased parish membership “from small, pastoral-sized congregation (60 on a Sunday) to energized transitional-sized (150 on a Sunday)”; “implemented creative worship and education programs to reach spiritually indifferent sailors”; and “deepened spiritual lives through strong, engaging preaching and teaching and faithful worship leadership.”


More here-

http://www.livingchurch.org/news/news-updates/2010/1/20/slate-of-five-for-rio-grande-bishop-election