Discerning the 13th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin
The Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin has begun the prayerful process of discerning and electing our next bishop.
This page will serve as the central source of information throughout the transition, including updates from the Standing Committee, the Election Committee's work, opportunities for participation, the diocesan profile and nomination process, information about candidates, and details about the Nominating and Electing Conventions.
We invite the whole diocese to participate in this season with prayer, openness, and hope as together we listen for where the Holy Spirit is leading the Episcopal Church in Wisconsin.
God of Mercy and Delight, as we begin our Episcopal transition, fill our hearts with thankfulness for all that You have done in our midst.
Holy One in whom we live and move and have our being, raise up leaders among us and fill them with Your love, Your wisdom, and Your strength.
Wild Spirit of peace, inspire the heart of our next bishop with visions of Wisconsin. May they love You and the people of this great diocese.
Amen.
Where we are at...
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Where we are at... 🧀
Election Committee Applications Are Open!
The Standing Committee is currently seeking applicants to serve on the Committee for the Election of the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin.
The Election Committee will help create and guide the process through which the diocese discerns and elects its next bishop.
Unlike a traditional bishop search committee, the Election Committee does not select or nominate a slate of candidates itself. Instead, it will create and oversee a process that allows for broad participation by the people of the Diocese of Wisconsin.
Applications are due Tuesday, September 8, 2026.
Last updated: August 24, 2026.
This section is updated weekly, even in weeks with no new developments.
Our Journey Toward the 13th Bishop of Wisconsin
The election of a bishop is a process of prayer, listening, discernment, and shared decision-making. Follow the major milestones in the Diocese of Wisconsin's transition through consecration in 2028.
Election Committee Formed
The Standing Committee appoints the Election Committee, including lay and clergy representation from across the five Mission Regions.
Listening & Diocesan Profile
The Election Committee listens across the diocese to understand our ministries, challenges, opportunities, hopes, and the gifts we seek in our next bishop. That listening shapes the diocesan profile.
Leadership Retreat
The Standing Committee and Election Committee gather for a leadership retreat.
Diocesan Profile Published
The profile introduces prospective nominees to the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin and describes our identity, ministries, opportunities, and hopes for the next bishop.
Nominations Open
Nominations for the 13th Bishop of Wisconsin begin. Nominees move through the processes required by the Constitution and Canons, including background and reference checks and consultation with the Chancellor.
Nominee Information Shared
Information about nominees who successfully complete the required processes is shared with the diocese in preparation for the Special Nominating Convention.
Special Virtual Nominating Convention
The diocese gathers virtually to vote and determine the final slate of nominees for bishop.
Final Nominee Discernment
Members of the final slate complete the required medical and psychological evaluations and other preparations for the election.
Meet & Greets
People throughout Wisconsin will have opportunities to meet, hear from, and learn more about the final nominees.
Electing Convention
The Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin gathers to elect the 13th Bishop of Wisconsin.
Churchwide Consent Process
The bishop-elect enters the consent process required by the Constitution and Canons of The Episcopal Church. This process may take up to 120 days.
Consecration of the 13th Bishop of Wisconsin
God willing and the people consenting, the bishop-elect will be ordained and consecrated as the 13th Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about how the bishop transition process works, who is responsible for each part of the process, and how members of the diocese can participate.
The Constitution and Canons adopted with the reunion of the Diocese of Wisconsin established a different model for episcopal elections. Rather than asking a Search Committee to narrow applicants to a slate, the process provides for broader participation by the diocese through a Special Nominating Convention.
No. The Election Committee performs some work traditionally associated with a Search Committee, including diocesan listening and development of a profile, but it does not independently choose the final slate of nominees.
The nomination period is anticipated to open after publication of the diocesan profile in February 2027. Additional instructions and requirements will be published here when nominations open.
Yes. Individuals are encouraged to apply themselves. If you know someone whose gifts would serve the diocese well in this work, you may also encourage that person to apply.
Members should anticipate significant involvement throughout the transition process, including listening and profile development, nominations, the Special Nominating Convention, meet-and-greets, and preparations for the Electing Convention.
Under the Constitution and Canons of the Diocese of Wisconsin, the Standing Committee has responsibility for overseeing the episcopal election process. The Standing Committee is being assisted by The Rt. Rev. Wayne Smith and The Rev. Canon Victor Conrado , consultants recommended by The Episcopal Church's Office of Leadership Development.
Although the Diocese of Wisconsin was reunified in 2024, the reunion restored a historic diocese rather than creating an entirely new one. The Diocese of Wisconsin was originally formed in 1847 and later divided as the Dioceses of Fond du Lac and Eau Claire were established and the remaining Diocese of Wisconsin became the Diocese of Milwaukee.
When the three historic dioceses reunited in 2024, The Rt. Rev. Matthew Gunter became the 12th Bishop of Wisconsin. The numbering therefore continues the historic succession of bishops of the Diocese of Wisconsin rather than beginning again with reunification. The bishop elected in 2027 will be the 13th Bishop of Wisconsin.
Application for Election Committee
Election Committee Description
The Election Committee creates the process for the bishop transition for the Diocese of Wisconsin. The committee is not charged with nominating candidates to be bishop, but with gathering candidate names and working with the Standing Committee toward a nominating convention and, ultimately, electing the next bishop.
The Election Committee will also listen deeply to the diocese about its hopes and goals and the skills needed in the next bishop. The Election Committee will guide the diocese through the profile process, nomination and nominating convention, meet-and-greets, and electing convention.
The Election Committee’s work is grounded in prayerfulness and confidentiality. Ideally, the committee's makeup will reflect the diversity and inclusivity of the Wisconsin Episcopal community. Those serving on the committee must adhere to the attached timeline.
The particular gifts and skills most helpful for members of this committee include:
Knowledge of Episcopal polity
Experience with diocesan and/or churchwide structures
Good technical and organizational skills: email, Zoom, sharing docs, etc
Good working relationship with diocesan staff
Good at networking around the diocese and Episcopal Church
Tactful and diplomatic
Pastoral, collegial, and hospitable
Prayerful and discerning
Time and availability for this work