[Episcopal Diocese of Newark] The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Newark on March 5 announced a slate of four candidates who will stand for election as the 11th bishop of Newark at a special convention on May 19.

The candidates:

The Rev. John Harmon, rector, Trinity Parish, Washington, D.C., Diocese of Washington

The Rev. Carlye Hughes, rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Worth, Diocese of Fort Worth

The Rev. Lisa Hunt, rector, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Houston, Diocese of Texas

The Rev. Scott Slater, canon to the ordinary, Diocese of Maryland

More information about the candidates is here.

The Bishop Search/Nominating Committee recommended the candidates to the Standing Committee, which approves the slate.

“We believe these individuals possess the skills, qualities, experience and spiritual grounding necessary for the office of bishop, and we are excited to commend them to the Diocese of Newark,” said the Rev. Joseph Harmon, president of the Standing Committee, in a press release. (Note: The Rev. Joseph Harmon and the Rev. John Harmon are not related.)

The Standing Committee also announced on March 5 the opening of a petition process by which nominees may be added to the slate. The process closes at 5 p.m. ET on March 15.

Members of the diocese will have the opportunity to meet the candidates in person at “walkabouts” to be held around the diocese May 3-6, before the May 19 electing convention.

The new bishop’s ordination and consecration are scheduled for Sept. 22, with Presiding Bishop Michael Curry officiating.

The Episcopal Diocese of Newark comprises the northern third of New Jersey, with 98 congregations in Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, Passaic, Sussex, Warren and Union counties. The Rt. Rev. Mark M. Beckwith has been bishop of Newark since January 2007 and will retire in September.

For all announcements, resources and upcoming events related to the Bishop Search, please visit dioceseofnewark.org/bishop-search.