An Update on the Bishop Election Process

Update: Navajoland Bishop Search

Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
By Navajoland Communications Office
December 19, 2025

The Standing Committee of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland shares the following letter from the Rev. Alyssa Stebbing, who has formally withdrawn from the slate of nominees in the election of the first bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland.

We are grateful for Rev. Alyssa’s prayerful discernment, her time among the people of Navajoland, and the spirit of care and integrity with which she has participated in this process. The Standing Committee has accepted her withdrawal.

The bishop election process will continue with the remaining nominees, the Rev. Cornelia Eaton and the Rev. Leon Sampson. We give thanks for their willingness to continue offering themselves for discernment.

We ask the church to hold Rev. Alyssa, the nominees, and the people of Navajoland in prayer during this season.

Letter from the Rev. Alyssa Stebbing

Dear All,

It is with deep sorrow and regret that I will need to withdraw from the Bishop election. After prayer, meeting with my current and incoming Senior Wardens, and speaking with my regional Bishop, it is untenable for me to remain a candidate for six more months.

The 12 days spent in Navajoland and the entire prayerful process has had a profound effect on me, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. My heart and soul remain in deep prayer for this new mission diocese and for its new bishop. Cornelia and Leon, I will be praying for you and know God is with you. I hope that I can continue to support the Episcopal Church in Navajoland and walk with the people and their clergy, including the new bishop. I am in deep prayer as to how the Spirit will lead.

I am forever grateful for the relationships I made with you all. You all are wonderful and faithful servants of God. Thank you for all the hard work, prayerful discernment, love, and dedication each of you has made in support of this new mission diocese. I also thank you for your support of me in the process and your concern and care.

May the Creator God continue to bless and guide you.

In Peace and All Good,

Alyssa+