Election
Convention
Our Search for the
1st Bishop of the
Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
Special Convention: Election of the First Bishop Diocesan
The Episcopal Church in Navajoland will gather in Special Convention to prayerfully elect the first Bishop Diocesan of the Diocese.
Clergy and lay delegates from congregations across Navajoland will come together in prayer, discernment, and voting as they seek the person called to serve as bishop. This moment marks an important step in the continuing life and leadership of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland.
Quick Links
Visit the Bishop Search Page for Nominee Information
The Bishop Search Page has an up-to-date Bishop Search Timeline, links to nominee bios, and blogs detailing the process as we navigate our first Diocesan Bishop Election. Click here to go to the Bishop Search Page.
Agenda and Official Appointments – Special Election Convention
Missionary Diocese of the Episcopal Church in Navajoland
St. Christopher’s Mission, Bluff, Utah
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Yá’át’ééh,
The following agenda and appointments are shared in preparation for the Special Convention to elect the first Bishop Diocesan of Navajoland. This information is provided in accordance with the Rules of Order adopted by Convention.
Appointments by the Bishop Provisional
- Secretary: Shirley McKinley
- Assistant Secretary: Frances Sjoberg
- Parliamentarian: Karen Aubrey
- Credentials Committee Chair: Margaret Putnam
- Dispatch of Business Committee Chair and Head Teller: The Rev. Jack Chase
- Head Usher: Diane Benn
Order of Business
- Prayer
- Recognition of Official Visitors
- Call to Order
- Report of Credentials Committee and Declaration of Quorum in each Order
- Adoption of Agenda and Rules of Order
- Adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order
- Nomination of Candidates
- Explanation of Voting Procedures
Closing
- Announcements
- Hymn, Prayer, and Blessing
- Adjournment and Dismissal
How a Bishop Is Elected
In the Episcopal Church, bishops are elected by clergy and lay delegates gathered in Convention. Voting takes place by ballot. If no candidate receives the required majority, another ballot is taken. Balloting continues until one candidate receives the required majority for election.
Convention Information
Event: Special Convention for the Election of a Bishop Diocesan
Day of Discernment: Friday, June 12, 2026
Election Convention: Saturday, June 13, 2026
Location: Bluff, Utah
The Special Convention weekend is a time of prayer, discernment, and gathering as a community across Navajoland.
Friday, June 12 – Day of Discernment
A day set aside for reflection, prayer, and grounding together before the election. Delegates and participants will spend time in conversation and spiritual preparation as we listen for where the Spirit is leading.
Saturday, June 13 – Election Convention
The Convention will formally gather at St. Christopher’s Mission in Bluff, Utah. After organizing the Convention and confirming a quorum, nominations will be received, and the election will begin.
Balloting will take place in rounds, with time for prayer and reflection between each ballot, until a Bishop is elected by a concurrent majority in both clergy and lay orders.
Following the election, the Bishop-Elect will be notified and, if present, may address the Convention. Delegates will then complete the required canonical steps before adjournment.
Throughout the weekend, we move together in prayer, respect, and care for one another as we take this important step in the life of Navajoland.
What Happens After the Election
After the election, the bishop-elect enters the consent process required by the canons of the Episcopal Church. A majority of bishops with jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees across the Church must consent before the bishop-elect can be ordained and consecrated.
Watch the Convention
For those who are not attending in person, the Election Convention will be available via livestream.
A viewing space will also be available on-site for registered observers. Please note that access to the Convention floor is limited to credentialed delegates and participants.
Start Time: 9:45 AM MST
We invite you to join us in prayer as you watch and follow along.
Who May Attend
Access to the convention floor is limited to those participating in the official Convention.
All attendees on the convention floor will be issued credentials.
Those permitted on the convention floor include:
• Clergy canonically resident in the Diocese
• Lay Delegates certified to Convention
• Convention officers and authorized staff
Observers may watch the proceedings from a designated viewing room.
Because seating and credentials are limited, those who have not been credentialed for the Convention are encouraged to follow the proceedings through the livestream.
For questions regarding attendance or credentials, please contact:
Margaret Putnam
Administrator, Episcopal Church in Navajoland
Election Process
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Voting will take place by Orders (Clergy and Lay). Ballots will be distributed, collected, and counted by Tellers. Results will be announced following each ballot.
If no election occurs on the first ballot, additional ballots will be taken until a Bishop is elected. Election requires a concurrent majority in both Orders on the same ballot.
Time for reflection and prayer will be held between ballots.
Following the Election
- Declaration of Election
- Notification of the Bishop-Elect
- Address by the Bishop-Elect (as invited)
- Signing of Canonical Testimonials by all delegates
- Motion to forward testimonials and certificates to the wider Church
Important Notes for Delegates
- All clergy and lay delegates must be registered and present in person to vote
- No proxy or virtual voting is permitted
- Delegates must sign Canonical Testimonials before leaving the Convention floor
We ask your continued prayers for the nominees, delegates, and all who will gather as we take this step together in the life of Navajoland
Media and Communications
To preserve the integrity of the election process, media access to the convention floor will be limited.
Updates and official information will be shared through diocesan communications, including:
• ecofnavajoland.org
• Episcopal Church in Navajoland social media
• Official press releases
Members of the media may follow the election through these official channels.
Communications Contact
GJ Gordy
Communications Director
Episcopal Church in Navajoland