[Episcopal Diocese of Long Island press release] The Rt. Rev. Lawrence C. Provenzano, bishop of Long Island, and George Tietjen, chair of the Dean Search Committee of the Cathedral of the Incarnation, announced the appointment of the Rev. Michael T. Sniffen as the cathedral’s next dean.

Since 2010, Sniffen has been the rector of The Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew in Brooklyn. He also currently serves as vice president of the Board of Managers of Camp DeWolfe in Wading River and as a member of the Racial Justice Advisory Council of the Brooklyn Community Foundation.

Provenzano said, “I look forward to Dean Sniffen’s enthusiastic and prophetic leadership of our cathedral as he begins a ministry of pastoral care for the present congregation and develops the cathedral’s role as a real center for diocesan life.”

The appointment is the result of a yearlong search by the Dean Search Committee of the cathedral. This is the first time that a search for dean was led by leadership from the cathedral’s congregation. After a lengthy evaluation process of the 30 initial applicants, the committee then presented three candidates to Provenzano for consideration.

“It is humbling to be a part of making history in the Diocese of Long Island following the faithful and careful work of the search committee during this past year. The appointment of Father Michael Sniffen comes as the conclusion of an historic process and marks the beginning of a new era for the Cathedral and the Diocese of Long Island,” said Provenzano.

Sniffen’s first day to preside and preach at the cathedral is Sunday, Nov. 1.

The liturgy for the institution of the new dean will be on Sunday, Jan. 31 at 4 p.m.