[Episcopal Church in Minnesota] The Standing Committee announces the slate of candidates who will appear on the ballot for the tenth bishop of the Episcopal Church in Minnesota on January 25, 2020.

The candidates are (alphabetical order):

• The Rev. Abbott Bailey, canon to the ordinary, Diocese of California.
• The Very Rev. Craig Loya, dean, Trinity Cathedral, Omaha, Diocese of Nebraska.

On Nov. 9, members of the Search Committee presented these candidates to the Standing Committee. In a closed session, the Standing Committee further discerned and voted on each candidate, unanimously approving each of the candidates listed above.

The Rev. Deborah Brown, president of the Standing Committee, said in a statement released on Friday, “We believe their manner of life, experiences, gifts and sense of call to this sacred responsibility are well-suited to the bold and creative call expressed in the ECMN profile.”

The Rev. Susan Moss, chair of the Search Committee, put it this way: “Over the past 10 months, with great care, the Search Committee reviewed many qualified applicants in a rigorous and Spirit-led discernment process. These two candidates soared to the top. It is with great confidence and excitement that we present Canon Bailey and Dean Loya.”

Nov. 22 marks the opening of a petition period, with any petitions due by Dec. 2, 2019, at 5 p.m. CST. A final slate, including any approved petition candidates, will be published by Jan. 6.

A special electing convention is scheduled for Jan. 25. A service of ordination and consecration is expected to take place on June 6 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The full announcement can be found on the Bishop Search website.