No candidate for election as Bishop of Chicago will be excluded due to race, color, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age, according to the profile released by the episcopal search committee. The period for nominations opened Dec. 4.

In the profile published on the committee’s website, the people of the diocese seek a bishop who is “a courageous and spiritually mature leader able to remain true to his or her own theological perspective while speaking for and representing the entire diocese.” According to the responses from a diocesan-wide survey conducted last spring, Episcopalians in the Chicago area want a bishop who has “a sense of urgency for sharing and living the gospel,” is receptive to a diversity of voices, and has a strong interest in church growth and development – particularly with youth, young adults, and the Latino community.

The final slate of nominees, according to the standing committee’s charge to the search committee, will consist of three to six candidates. The final slate will be announced Aug. 28. A two-week period for nominations by petition will close Sept. 11. The election will be held during the Nov. 11-12 annual convention next year, with a tentative Feb. 3, 2008 date for the investiture or consecration.

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