A Slate of Three Nominees Announced

Update: Navajoland Bishop Search

Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
November 7, 2025

The Bishop Search Committee joyfully announced a slate of three nominees for election as the first bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland. The election is scheduled for January 3, 2026 (January 10, 2026, if needed).

Following approval by the diocesan Standing Committee on November 6, the nominees are:

• The Rev. Alyssa Stebbing, Rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Austin- The Episcopal Diocese of Texas
• The Rev. Leon Sampson, Co-Vicar of the Southeast Region, The Missionary Diocese of Navajoland
• The Rev. Cornelia Eaton, Canon to the Ordinary, The Missionary Diocese of Navajoland

You can find more information on each candidate here.

Looking Ahead

The bishop-elect will succeed The Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, Bishop Provisional, who will retire next year. The new bishop will be consecrated on May 9, 2026, in Farmington, New Mexico.

Members of our diocesan family are warmly invited to gather with the nominees during regional meet-and-greet events from December 3 to 11, 2025. After gathering in Farmington for initial meetings, each nominee will spend two and a half days in each of the regions. Dates, times, and locations will be announced soon.

About the Bishop Search Committee

The Bishop Search Committee is composed of six members, led by Marianita Chee, a Lay member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Farmington. The Rev. Carol Tookey, of St. Luke’s Church, Huerfano, serves as Assistant Chair. The committee is assisted by The Rev. Ann Hallisey, a California-based consultant who supports bishop search processes across the wider church.

About the Standing Committee

At the 1st Diocesan Convention held in June 2025, the Rev. Canon Cornelia Eaton and the Rev. Leon Sampson were elected to serve as members of the Standing Committee. When they submitted their applications to stand for election as bishop, both clergy requested a leave of absence from the Committee. The Standing Committee prayerfully accepted their requests and placed them on leave until after the election.

During this period, The Rev. Jack Chase is serving as pro tem President of the Standing Committee, ensuring the continued faithful work and discernment of the body.

We give thanks for the faithful work of this committee and for the Spirit’s guidance as Navajoland continues to walk in faith, hope, and love.