Listening sessions scheduled along with bishop election date
6/8/2011
By Nan Ross
 The Committee for Nominations for the 10th Bishop of Atlanta has scheduled listening sessions around Middle and North Georgia starting June 23 and concluding July 17 in order to gather material for a written profile that describes the diocese to applicants.
And the special election to identify Bishop J. Neil Alexander's successor has been scheduled for June 2, 2012, at the Cathedral of St. Philip. (Individuals who are clergy members of or delegates to the 105th Annual Council in November will be eligible to vote in the bishop election.)
This news was reported following the first working meetings June 4 of the Committee for Nominations and the Transitions Committee, which have distinct responsibilities in the process leading up to the seating of a new bishop.
Listening groups will allow for the committee to learn what three separate groups of Episcopalians - laypeople, priests and deacons -- have to say about their diocese, according to Terry Franzén of Norcross, communication chair for the Nominating Committee.
The sessions will be facilitated by members of the Committee for Nominations, who will seek discussion and responses to some general questions including:
ˇ What is going well in the Diocese of Atlanta?
ˇ What are the challenges in the Diocese of Atlanta?
ˇ What are the characteristics you seek in our next bishop?
ˇ How do you see the spiritual nature of the diocese changing ?
ˇ What kind of diocese do we need to become?
"The committee hopes that you will be able to attend a listening session," Franzén said. "If you are unable to attend a session, you will have the opportunity to respond to the questions in writing. Look for more information on that process in the coming days."
A schedule of listening sessions -- times, dates and places - follows. The committee is working on material that can be used in parish publicity. They are also preparing a website that will be accessible soon.
Listening Groups Schedule
For the Laity Only
Sunday, July 10 - 4 p.m. Holy Trinity, Decatur; 4 p.m. Christ Church, Macon Thursday, July 14 - 7 p.m. Trinity, Columbus; 7 p.m. Emmanuel, Athens Sunday, July 17 - 4 p.m. St. Anne's, Atlanta; 4 p.m. Transfiguration, Rome
For Presbyters Only
Norcross Thursday, July 14 - 4 p.m. St. Augustine's, Morrow Sunday, July 17 - 4 p.m. Ascension, Cartersville
For Deacons Only
Sunday, July 10 - 4 p.m. Cathedral of St. Philip, Atlanta
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