The Rt. Rev. Bavi Edna "Nedi" Rivera has said she may not continue as Bishop Suffragan of Olympia, following the election of another candidate as diocesan bishop May 12.

Bishop Rivera was one of three candidates who withdrew after the second ballot, making the third ballot a run off between the Rev. Gregory Rickel, rector of St. James’, Austin, Texas, and the Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, rector of St. Thomas', Medina, Wash. Fr. Rickel was elected on the third ballot.

After Bishop Rivera withdrew her name, the Rt. Rev. Vincent Warner, Bishop of Olympia, praised her for her work in the Diocese of Olympia. After the Bishop Warner finished speaking, Bishop Rivera received a long and loud standing ovation.

In spite of this show of support, Bishop Rivera said after the election that she may choose not to continue as bishop suffragan of the Diocese of Olympia. Tom Boyns, a lay delegate to convention, said that Bishop Rivera was called by the diocese for a specific purpose as suffragan. “That purpose is just as valid today as it was then,” he said.

The Rev. Rachel Tabor-Hamilton, co-chair of the bishop search committee, said that the Diocese of Olympia needs Bishop Rivera even more now. Having heard the people’s history, insights, and stories, “she carries our hopes forward to the new bishop.”

The special electing convention was held in the context of the Eucharist. The lessons used were those designated for the following day, the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Balloting was conducted as a part of the Prayers of the People. There was prayer and song before each ballot, with electronic tabulation overseen by an outside firm. This allowed the third and final ballot to be concluded before noon. There was an hour recess for lunch before concluding the Eucharist and convention.

Fr. Rickel said he is looking forward to Seattle’s notoriously rainy climate. But before he can be consecrated, Fr. Rickel must receive consents from a majority of standing committees and bishops exercising jurisdiction. The consecration is tentatively scheduled for Sept. 15 at the Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, Wash. Bishop Warner, who has served as diocesan bishop for 18 years, previously announced his intention to resign following the consecration of his successor.

Robert R. Chapman, Jr.