Electoral Candidate Information
August 9th, 2023
To: Assembly Clergy, Lay and Youth Delegates - Territory of the People
Dear Friends:
Thank you for your ongoing support and prayers during the Electoral process.
In the Territory Electoral Policy (1.11) Coordinating Council summons an extraordinary session of Assembly for the purpose of electing a Bishop and sets the timeline of the Electoral process. They alone have the authority to rescind the summons of the Assembly. Coordinating Council, chaired by Archbishop Lynne McNaughton, met on Tuesday, August 8th. They strongly felt that it is important to allow the Electoral process and discernment of the next Bishop for the Territory to continue as planned, even with one Candidate. Prior consultation with the BC House of Bishops and Provincial Chancellor affirmed that this is a proper process. God-willing, Assembly Delegates will gather in September at the Episcopal Election to discern whether this Candidate is called to be the next Bishop of the Territory of the People or if the Territory is being called to begin a new Electoral Process. The ballot will reflect these two options.
The Nominating Committee is pleased to share the name of the following Candidate who has indicated her willingness to stand for election:
This Candidate has been properly nominated and qualifies for the office of Bishop in accordance with article 1.11.8d of the Territory Policy. She has submitted the requested information, which has been reviewed by both the Nominating Committee and the Provincial House of Bishops.
On the Territory website, you will find her submitted documents: Information Form and Responses, References Letters, Video Links, Photo, and the Signed Consent and Affirmation Form. As part of your preparation, you are encouraged to read the Territory Profile alongside reviewing all of the Candidate's information and responses to the profile. This will aid your prayerful discernment and preparation for the upcoming Electoral Assembly.
Once the Assembly begins, you, as an elected delegate, are no longer a representative of your parish but a delegate to take council for the well-being of the whole Territory.
For those delegates who do not have email, this information will be mailed to them. If you know of someone in your parish that does not have online access, you are encouraged to reach out to them and, if possible, provide them with access to the information.
Parish delegates to Assembly are encouraged to consider gathering to review the candidate information and pray together in preparation for the Electoral Assembly. All members of the Territory are encouraged to engage in this prayerful discernment and conversation with their Parish Delegates. Please pray for one another and the Electoral Candidate during the upcoming weeks.
Further details about the Electoral Assembly will be emailed soon, with the agenda. Delegates are invited to gather for evening prayer and a reception on Friday, September 15th, at St. Paul's Cathedral, Kamloops – times will be shared in the next email. For delegates unable to attend on the Friday evening, registration for the Electoral Assembly will begin on Saturday, September 16th at 8 am. The Electoral Assembly will begin with the Celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 9 am.
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact Melissa Green, Chair of the Electoral Committee, at territoryelection@gmail.com or 250-682-4866.
Blessings,
Melissa Green
Chair, Electoral Committee