[Episcopal News Service] The Diocese of South Dakota announced on March 4 that two priests have been nominated to become the diocese’s 11^th bishop.

They are:

• The Rev. Jonathan Folts, rector of St. John’s Episcopal Church, Essex, Connecticut.
• The Rev. Mark Story, rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Edmond, Oklahoma.

Their biographies and personal statements are available on the Diocese of South Dakota website here.

Severe weather across the state last week delayed a planned announcement of the slate until March 4 and also delayed the opening of the window for petition candidates. Petitioners now have until 5 p.m. March 8. Information about that process is here.

An opportunity to meet the candidates is scheduled for the week of April 1-5. The electing convention will be held in Pierre, South Dakota, on May 4. The consecration and ordination of the new bishop is set for Nov. 2.

The person elected will succeed Bishop John Tarrrant, who announced in October 2017 that he would retire in 2019. Tarrant has been diocesan bishop since February 2010.