“Dear People of the Diocese of Nevada,

Our bishop search process this year was challenging in several respects. One is that there were an unprecedented number of bishop searches in process, resulting in a limited applicant pool. Another is that decisions had to be made under time constraints that did not allow the Standing Committee to engage in the depth of deliberation really needed.

Since announcing the slate of candidates, more information has been brought to our attention that calls our decisions into question. We have, after much soul searching, unanimously concluded that it is in the best interest of the Diocese to postpone the election of our 11^th Bishop until next year following another search under more propitious circumstances.

We are grateful to the Search Committee for their faithful work and regret any frustration they may feel that we are not proceeding to an election now. The decision to delay is in no way a reflection on the Search Committee, but rather is what we deem to be for the good of the Diocese. Likewise, we are grateful to the candidates on the 2018 slate. Our decision does not preclude them from applying again and participating in the 2019 search process.

Bishop Dan will still retire as planned in December, but Canon Catherine will remain through the search process to insure the smooth ongoing operation of the diocesan office. We plan to call a Provisional (interim) Bishop to provide episcopal oversight during the transition, just as Bishop Jerry Lamb served in our previous search process. Bishop Dan assures us there are some well-qualified retired bishops who would be a good fit for Nevada in this time of transition.

The Diocesan Convention will still take place in Elko, beginning with a reception on the evening of November 29, with our business conducted on November 30 and a closing banquet that evening. Obviously, the agenda will change. The new agenda will be posted online and distributed to delegates as soon as possible.

We hope for your trust and patience in this process. We too are eager to get the decision made but it is most important that we take our time to get it right.”

Sincerely,

The Reverend Bonnie Polley
President of the Standing Committee

Southwest Mission District Clergy Representative
Christ Church, Las Vegas”