From Florida-The Rev. William "Chip" Stokes, an Episcopal priest from Delray Beach, could become the next bishop of the Diocese of New Jersey, one of the largest Episcopal districts in the country.
Stokes is one of nine candidates who will interview beginning Monday to replace Bishop George Councell, who is retiring after 10 years leading the diocese's 155 churches.
Stokes, a priest for 22 years, has led St. Paul's Episcopal Church since 1999 but said he also connects with the diversity and struggles of New Jersey's parishes, which include Atlantic City, Camden, Trenton, Princeton and cities along the coast.
"I take seriously the notion of being called," said Stokes, 56, a father of four and grandfather of two. "If I'm called, I'll feel excited. If not, God has called me to St. Paul's. I can't lose."
Stokes also was a candidate for bishop of the Diocese of Newark in 2006. He will spend the coming week visiting churches and meeting with clergy and lay people, taking their questions and sharing his vision for the sprawling network of parishes, which cover two-thirds of the state.
The election will be May 4. Competing candidates come from Washington, Maryland, California, Connecticut and New Jersey.
More here-
http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-04-21/news/fl-stokes-bishop-20130422_1_stokes-assistant-bishop-new-bishop
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