Next week, the eight finalists for bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago meet their potential flock at a series of gatherings throughout the region: St. Mark’s in Glen Ellyn on Tuesday; Church of the Redeemer in Elgin on Wednesday; Church of the Holy Spirit in Lake Forest on Thursday; Church of the Transfiguration in Palos Park on Oct. 26; St. Edmund’s in Chicago on Oct. 27, and St. Luke’s in Dixon on Oct. 28.
The slate of nominees reflects the changing face of the nation’s Episcopal church, with three women and two Africans among those running. Before this election, no woman had been nominated for Episcopal bishop of Chicago.
Tribune religion reporters Margaret Ramirez and Manya A. Brachear compiled information on the eight nominees from personal statements and interviews with Episcopal scholars. The election will be held Nov. 10 at the diocese’s annual convention in Wheeling. The new bishop will succeed Bishop William Persell, who has led the diocese since 1999.