My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
It is with the greatest enthusiasm, and with unbounded gratitude to Almighty God, that the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic’s Committee on Nominations publishes to the Electing Synod its slate of the final candidates for bishop. The candidates are:
- The Rev. David M. Hanke, Rector, Restoration Anglican Church, Arlington, Virginia
- The Rev. Patrick A. Ware, Rector, Grace Anglican Church, Winchester, Virginia
- The Rev. Christopher S. Warner, Rector, Church of the Holy Cross, Sullivan’s Island and Daniel Island, South Carolina
The committee’s work spanned seven months, and has been a diligent, insightful and, most importantly, a prayerful, time of discernment. Beginning with a strong pool of nominees, we walked alongside each throughout a lengthy and detailed process that included extensive vetting and, with those advancing to the latter stages, Zoom interviews, answers to written questions, in-person interviews with nominees and their wives, background checks, and consultation with references and others familiar with the candidate’s present and past ministry. In the end, each nominee advanced to the final slate by unanimous vote – we feel strongly that all of these candidates will make an excellent bishop. The committee has been guided throughout by the conviction that the Lord has chosen our next bishop, and it has been our privilege to walk with Him in discerning His will.
You can learn more about each candidate by clicking on their name above and viewing their resumes, spiritual autobiographies, and answers to written questions; and by following the appropriate links to two sermons submitted by each man.
All eligible voters for the Electing Synod on October 15, 2022 will likewise have the opportunity to interact with the candidates at the two diocesan Walkabouts, on September 27, at Truro Church in Fairfax, and on September 28, at Redeemer Anglican in Richmond. Information about the Walkabouts can be found here. Each delegate is expected to attend one event, as seeing and hearing the candidates in person affords a much better way to get a sense of them.
Over the next 90 days leading up to the election, we ask you to join us in two practices:
Practice prayer, not politics.
Although we are electing a bishop, the process must be prayerful, not political. While it is perfectly acceptable for delegates to discuss candidates among themselves, candidates will not be talking with delegates, as this could be considered “politicking.” Please respect this, and avoid participating in conversation with a candidate about his candidacy. Also, please add David, Patrick, and Chris to your prayer list, and earnestly pray for them, their wives and families, and the Electing Synod on October 15, 2022, together with all its delegates.
Practice discerning, not deciding
We are called to discern God’s will, not simply to make a decision. Take this time to prayerfully and carefully discern whom God is calling to lead and shepherd us. The decision is God’s; it is for us to discern His “good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2.)
The Apostle Paul says it well in his letter to the Christians in Philippi: “I thank God in my prayers for all of you, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6.) God has, indeed, begun a good work in the Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic; may He carry it to completion.
Yours faithfully in Christ Jesus,
W. Allan Sharrett, Church of the Resurrection, Emporia, Virginia
Chair, Committee on Nominations for Bishop
Members of the Committee
Alicia Bradford—Truro Anglican Church, Fairfax, VA
The Rev. Corky Eddins—Christ Church Vienna, Vienna, VA
The Rev. Mary Gardner—Restoration Anglican Church, Arlington, VA
Vivian Hayes—Church of the Messiah, Chesapeake, VA
The Rev. Tom Herrick—Holy Spirit Anglican Church, Lewes, DE
The Rev. Dan Marotta—Redeemer Anglican Church, Richmond, VA
Dondie McNickle—Church of the Holy Spirit, Leesburg, VA
John Palafoutas—Christ the King, Alexandria, VA
The Rev. Morgan Reed—Corpus Christi Anglican Church, Springfield, VA
Allan Sharrett—Resurrection Church, Emporia, VA, Chair
Kristen Short—The Falls Church Anglican, Falls Church, VA
