Search for the Ninth Bishop of East Carolina

Gracious and loving God, guide the hearts and minds of those among us who will search for a new bishop to lead the Diocese of East Carolina, that we may listen carefully to discern your will and call a bishop who will love and serve your people in all the communities of this diocese and lead us forward in new ways in our ministries and service to you, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Click on the image of the candidate to be taken to their profile page.

Rev. Brian Cannaday

Rev. Sarah Fisher

Rev. Caleb Lee

The Standing Committee of East Carolina has completed a two-week process for nomination by petition. The process is now closed, and the slate is finalized.

All in the diocese are invited to meet the candidates at a series of regional meet-and-greets around the diocese. Details about livestreams and recordings of these meet-and greets are forthcoming. These meet and greets will include a question-and-answer element. We are currently receiving questions for our candidates. Please email questions to the Bishop Transition Committee. Questions should be submitted by October 10^th.

Monday, October 27, 5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Christ Church, New Bern

Tuesday, October 28, 5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Christ Church, Elizabeth City

Wednesday, October 29, 5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | St. Timothy’s, Greenville

Thursday, October 30, 5:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. | St. John’s, Fayetteville

Friday, October 31, 5:45 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | St. John’s, Wilmington

• The Petition Process has closed, and the bishop candidate slate finalized.
• The Standing Committee of East Carolina has opened a process for nomination by petition that will run from September 16 at 5:00pm to September 30 at 5:00pm.
• On September 15, 2025, the Standing Committee announced a bishop candidate slate of three nominees. Read more here.
• The ordination and consecration of the IX Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina will be held at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern on May 23, 2026.
• Applications have been submitted, and the applicants’ files are now complete. Read more here.
• The Bishop Search Committee have provided an update on their screening and discernment process, available here.
• Our Diocesan Profile is now available! Please visit our profile page here to read the profile. If you are prayerfully considering applying, the deadline to apply is May 30, 2025.
• The Bishop Search Committee have shared a key update and their progress, available to read here.
• The Transition Committee have shared a recap of their kickoff meeting, which you can read here.
• The Standing Committee has shared the timeline of the bishop search. See the timeline here.
• Please reserve the date of May 23, 2026, for the ordination and consecration of the IX Bishop of the Diocese of East Carolina. The Most Rev. Sean W. Rowe, Presiding Bishop of The Episcopal Church, will be present. The time and location has yet to be set.