A Story from the Search Committee: Listening, Learning, and Beginning to Shape Our Diocesan Profile

Over the past several months, the work of the Bishop Search Committee has quietly—but steadily—moved into high gear. What began as a wide-ranging season of listening has now become a deep, prayerful effort to understand who the Diocese of Western New York truly is in this moment, and what kind of episcopal leadership will help us flourish in the years ahead.

The Committee has now completed interviews with our three most recent bishops, including our current Bishop Provisional, along with every member of the diocesan staff. They have also conducted numerous conversations with leaders across our canonical commissions, governance bodies, and standing committees. Beyond these formal interviews, the team reached hundreds of additional data points through verbal conversations at our listening sessions, Holy Conversations at Diocesan Convention, and responses to the Holy Cow surveys—drawing on voices from every corner of the diocese.  The Holy Cow survey had 359 responses representing 159 parishioners, 108 Vestry members, 34 convention delegates, 6 Diocesan Staff members, 23 active Priests, 16 retired priests and 13 deacons.

With this rich body of insight in hand, the Committee is closing out the data-gathering phase and beginning its work of composing the Diocesan Profile. While that work unfolds, we want to offer a first look at the major themes rising from the collective wisdom of the people of Western New York.

What We Heard: Ten Emerging Themes

1. The diocese is tired—but still deeply faithful.
Across congregations, there is an unmistakable spirit of perseverance: “We’re small, but we’re still here.” People are showing up even when the numbers are thin and the energy is low. This gritty, steady faithfulness is a strength, but it also signals chronic fatigue. A bishop who can honor endurance without romanticizing decline will find receptive hearts here.

2. Clergy isolation is real and pressing.
Many priests feel stretched across pastoral, liturgical, and administrative demands, often without strong support systems. Some serve multiple congregations or part-time roles. They long for connection, encouragement, and a bishop who knows their contexts firsthand—a relational presence who checks in, travels, listens, and helps clergy thrive.

3. Lay leaders want clarity and empowerment—not control.
Parishes are asking for formation in governance, stewardship, communication, and conflict navigation. They want transparency and tools, not micromanagement. A bishop who builds confident lay leadership ecosystems will be welcomed with gratitude.

4. The diocese longs to rebuild trust and cohesion.
Years of conflict, transition, and institutional shifts have left wounds. There is hope—but also caution. People want a bishop who listens deeply, names the past truthfully, and helps the diocese remember and reclaim its core identity. Healing leadership is essential.

5. Congregations care deeply about their neighborhoods.
From food ministries to arts partnerships to refugee support, this diocese has a heart for its communities. Parishes are not merely trying to survive—they’re trying to serve. They want a bishop who champions outward-facing ministry and cultivates local creativity.

6. Openness to change exists—but trust and pacing matter.
People are not resistant to innovation. They simply want change that is transparent, collaborative, and accompanied by real support. A bishop who communicates the “why” and “how” clearly can lower collective anxiety and inspire healthier experimentation.

7. Financial anxiety is constant—but not hopeless.
Aging buildings, tight budgets, and demographic realities weigh heavily. Yet congregations continue giving, fundraising, dreaming. They seek a bishop who is financially literate, honest, supportive, and imaginative—without being punitive.

8. The diocese values diversity, equity, and inclusion—but needs help moving from aspiration to practice.
There is clear interest in multicultural ministry, LGBTQ+ inclusion, anti-racism, and community engagement. But implementation feels uneven. A bishop with intercultural competence and a gentle, pastoral tone can help parishes live these values more fully.

9. Communication needs significant strengthening.
Consistency, transparency, and storytelling are recurring needs. Parishes want to understand what is happening, how decisions are made, and what mission looks like across our region. A bishop partnered with a strong communications team could transform diocesan morale.

10. There is deep affection for Western New York—its people, its resilience, its identity.
Despite economic challenges, Western New Yorkers love where they live. They value authenticity, humility, and grounded leadership. A bishop who embraces the region—not just the role—will be warmly received.

Where the Work Goes Next

With these themes in hand, the Search Committee is now beginning the sacred task of drafting the Diocesan Profile—a narrative and portrait that will help potential candidates understand who we are, what we value, and what we believe God is calling us toward. This next phase will weave together honesty, hope, and the lived experience of the hundreds of Western New Yorkers who shared their voices.

Thank you for your prayers, your participation, and your steadfast faith. The Committee looks forward to sharing more as the work continues.