Bishop Election 2024
Pre-Identification Form now closed
The pre-identification form is now closed for those individuals interested in offering the name of a rostered minister of Word and Sacrament (a pastor) in the ELCA for consideration for call to be elected Bishop of the New England Synod. Any pastor in good standing on the ELCA roster in the United States is eligible to be named.
Individuals whose names were provided were contacted to determine if they’d like to discern a call to bishop, and if so, they will provide biographical information that will be made available on the synod website in April.
At the start of Synod Assembly on June 6, 2024, the names of these pre-identified persons will be included on the first ballot for the bishop election, along with the opportunity for an alternative candidate’s name to be written in. The remainder of the election process will follow the guidelines outlined in our synod constitution, which may be found on the synod website here.
Video overview of Preidentification Process
New England Synod Profile & Bishop Job Description Documents
Ministry Team Briefs
March 2024 Update from the Bishop Election Team
February 2024 Update from the Bishop Election Team
January 2024 Update from the Bishop Election Team - part 2
January 2024 Update from the Bishop Election Team - part 1
December 2023 Update from the Bishop Election Team
November 2023 Update from the Bishop Election Team
February 1 - Pre-identification Process Opens
An online form will be made available by which individuals may submit the name of a rostered minister for consideration; individuals may also submit their own name. A version of the form is available for download here.
February 29 - Pre-identification Process Closes
March 20 - Pre-identified Person Information Due
Those whose names have been submitted will be contacted to determine if they are willing to discern a call to serve as bishop. If so, they'll be asked to provide biographical details and a photograph, as well as submit to a background check.
April 15 - Pre-identified Persons Information Available on Synod Website
Biographical information and a photograph of each pre-identified person choosing to move forward will be posted on the synod website for review.
June 5 - Pre-identified Persons Information Removed from Synod Website
Information will be removed from the website the day prior to Synod Assembly.
June 6 - Synod Assembly begins
The bishop election will proceed according to the rules set forth in the synod constitution. The first ballot will include the names of the pre-identified persons, as well as offering voting members the opportunity to name a rostered minister who is not listed.
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The Bishop Election Team encourages members of the synod to stay informed about the process and familiarize themselves with the information as it becomes available. We trust this will lead to well-informed voting members taking part in the election process at Synod Assembly.
Click on the graphic below to view the presentation
regarding the bishop election that was given at synod assembly.
If you have any questions, please reach out directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Frank Cichon, Chair
The Rev. Jessica Chicka
The Rev. Karl Hester
Donna Kerry, Vice President of the Synod Council
Ade Monareh
Maydee Morales
The Rev. Duane Pederson
Martha Whyte, Synod Staff Liaison
If you have any questions, please reach out directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..