FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 Bishop Coadjutor Discernment Process
Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes
What kind of Bishop are we electing?
We are electing a Bishop Coadjutor who will succeed Bp. Mark Engel as Bishop Ordinary upon his retirement in 2027.
What is a Bishop Coadjutor?
A Bishop Coadjutor is elected by the Synod to assist the Bishop Ordinary for a time and to have the right of succession when the Bishop Ordinary retires or steps down for any other reason.
A Bishop Ordinary is a Bishop with jurisdictional authority over a diocese, also known as a diocesan bishop.
A Suffragan Bishop is elected to assist the Bishop Ordinary but does not have the right of succession.
What is the Timeline for the Discernment Process?
Summer-Fall 2025 - The Standing Committee sends a diocesan survey to clergy and laity, writes the Diocean Profile and Candidate Qualifications, and selects the members of the Bishop Search Committee.
October 23-25, 2025: Members of the Bishop Search Committee are announced at the Annual Synod.
November 2025-February 2026: Nomination window. Any confirmed member in good standing in a Congregation of the ADGL, any clergy in good standing domiciled in the diocese, and any bishop of the Anglican Church in North America may nominate potential candidates.
Spring 2026 - The Bishop Search Committee prayerfully considers the pool of nominees in light of the Diocesan Profile and Candidate Qualifications and discerns who the slate of candidates will be.
August 1, 2026: The final slate of candidates (no more than three) is published by the Bishop Search Committee.
September 2026: 2-3 regional walkabouts (opportunities for clergy and lay delegates to the Synod to meet the Nominees).
October 22-24, 2026: Election of the Bishop Coadjutor at the Annual Synod.
January 2027: College of Bishops votes on consent to the election.
April 17, 2027: Consecration of the new Bishop Coadjutor.
Spring 2027-October 2027: Transition period during which Bp. Mark Engel remains the Bishop Ordinary and the new Bishop Coadjutor serves alongside him. At some point during this window of time Bp. Mark will retire and the Bishop Coadjutor will become the Bishop Ordinary.
October 2027: Investiture of the new Bishop Ordinary at Mission Conference and Synod.
When will the next bishop be elected?
The election for Bishop Coadjutor will take place at the Mission Conference and Synod on October 22-24, 2026. While we do use the term “election” it is important to remember that this is a process of discernment guided by the Holy Spirit and not a political contest where candidates campaign to win votes.
How can I pray for the discernment process?
Please pray as you are led and also use the following prayer regularly:
Almighty God, giver of every good gift: Look graciously on your Church, and so guide the minds of those who shall choose a Bishop for this Diocese that we may receive a faithful pastor who will preach the Gospel, care for your people, equip us for ministry, and lead us forth in fulfillment of the Great Commission; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (2019 BCP, 648-649)
What happens after the election?
Once an election is complete, the College of Bishops must vote on their consent to the election. Each new bishop is elected by a diocese for the whole Church and this is why consent from the College of Bishops is necessary. This will occur during the January 2027 College of Bishops meeting.
When will the next bishop be consecrated/installed?
God willing, the next bishop will be consecrated on April 17, 2027.
What is the Standing Committee?
The Standing Committee is composed of the Bishop Ordinary, six members elected by the annual synod (three clergy and three lay), and two other members (one clergy and one lay) who are appointed by the Bishop Ordinary. The Standing Committee acts as a council of advice to the Bishop Ordinary and holds ecclesial authority when there is no Bishop Ordinary. They also oversee the process of transition from one bishop to the next.
What is the Ministry of Bishops?
“By the tradition of Christ’s One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church, Bishops are consecrated for the whole Church and are successors of the Apostles through the grace of the Holy Spirit given to them. They are chief missionaries and chief pastors, guardians and teachers of doctrine, and administrators of godly discipline and governance.” (from ACNA Provincial Canons, Title III, Canon 8, Section 2).
What are the qualifications to serve as a bishop?
The New Testament speaks about qualifications for leadership in the church in 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; and 1 Peter 5:1-4. The Provincial Canons of the Anglican Church in North America outline further criteria in Title III, Canon 8, Section 3 - Concerning Criteria for the Episcopate.
“To be a suitable candidate for the episcopate, a person must:
Be a person of prayer and strong faith;
Be pious, have good morals and exhibit Godly character;
Have a zeal for souls;
Have demonstrated evidence of the fruit of the Holy Spirit;
Possess the knowledge and gifts which equip him to fulfill the office;
Be held in good esteem by the faithful;
Be a male Presbyter at least 35 years old;
Have demonstrated the ability to lead and grow the Church.”
Other specific requirements will be found in the Diocesan Profile and Candidate Qualifications which will be posted on the ADGL website when it is finalized.
Do nominees have to be members of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes?
No, nominees from other dioceses of the ACNA are welcome so long as they meet the requirements.
Who may make a nomination?
The following people may submit a nomination during the nomination window (November 2025-February 2026):
Any lay person who is a confirmed member in good standing of a church or mission of the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes.
All Clergy in good standing who are domiciled in the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes.
Any Bishop who is a member of the College of Bishops of the Anglican Church in North America .
How can I suggest a name?
Before suggesting a name, please contact the person to see if they are willing to be considered as a nominee. The potential nominee should read the Diocesan Profile and Candidate Qualifications to see if he is eligible. If he agrees, you may then submit his name as a nominee through the diocesan website. Further details will be available when the nomination window opens (November 2025). The deadline for nominations will be February 28, 2026.
What happens after a person is nominated?
Nominees will be contacted by the Search Committee to determine their canonical regularity and eligibility and to verify their willingness to have their names considered as nominees. Those who agree and are eligible will make up the roster of our formal nominees. These nominees will be asked to submit written responses to questions. Further stages of the discernment process will include interviews. Finalists will undergo extensive background checks and other examinations to verify that they are fit for the office and work of a bishop. Only 2-3 final candidates will be announced to the diocese for election. A nomination does not necessarily mean that person will end up as a candidate.
Who are the members of the Bishop Search Committee?
The Bishop Search Committee will be appointed by the Standing Committee in consultation with the area deans and the archdeacons. The members of the committee will be announced and commissioned at our Annual Mission Conference and Synod, October 23-25, 2025.
How will we find out about the Candidates?
The final slate of candidates will be announced in August 2026, and we will also share substantial information about each one at that time. In the month of September 2026 we will host 2-3 regional “walkabouts” in which candidates will be interviewed. All clergy and lay delegates to synod are welcome to attend one or more of these events in person. The walkabouts will also be live streamed or recorded for those who are not delegates. During the time between the announcement of the slate of candidates and the election we wish to promote prayerful review of materials for discernment, not campaigning or political maneuvering.
What will happen at the Electing Synod?
The election will take place during our Annual Synod, October 22-24, 2026. Delegates will cast successive ballots until a candidate achieves a majority of votes in both lay and clergy orders on the same ballot. This candidate will then be the Bishop Coadjutor Elect.
Who will actually cast ballots?
All Clergy in Good Standing domiciled in the Anglican Diocese of the Great Lakes and all lay delegates from ADGL Congregations will be eligible to vote. The diocesan office will publish a list of those eligible to vote in advance of the Synod.
What about non-parochial and retired clergy?
Non-parochial and retired clergy in good standing, as determined by the bishop’s office, are entitled to vote and are encouraged to be a part of the search process.
How will we get updates?
Check the diocesan website regularly. There will be a special page dedicated to the Bishop Search with important documents and regular updates. You can also sign up to receive the diocesan email newsletter which will include updates as they are available.
How can I contact or get feedback to the Standing Committee?
We welcome your communications. Specific questions can be submitted to the Very Rev. Christopher Klukas, President of the Standing Committee: cklukas@adgl.us
