It is with joy that Southwest shares the news that the Rev. Lecia Diaz Brannon, Director of Alumni Relations, has been invited and has accepted the call to be one of the candidates running for Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Dakota.
“It’s a great honor for Lecia to be invited into this process of discernment,” says dean and president, Scott Bader-Saye. “Her gifts and skills will be of great use to the church wherever she ends up. We hope the process is meaningful and leads to clarity as the diocese and the candidates discern the future of God’s work in North Dakota.”
Discerning a call to serve as a bishop in The Episcopal Church is a lengthy, prayerful process grounded in mutual discernment between the candidate and the diocese. This process will culminate in an election to be held this fall.
Brannon shared, “On Monday, August 4th the slate of candidates for the election of the 12th Bishop of the Diocese of North Dakota was announced publicly and by grace, I am one of their candidates. This holy journey is one of discovery of my identity and calling as a disciple and a priest. I am grateful for the Southwest community as you are vital in my formation leading to this moment. Your prayers for the Diocese of North Dakota and the candidates are welcome and appreciated.”
The election will take place at the Diocese of North Dakota’s convention on October 25th. Lecia will continue in her role at Southwest until the election outcome is known and next steps are established.
You can read more from the official announcement from the Diocese of North Dakota as well as this article from Episcopal News Service.
Please join the Southwest community in wishing Lecia the best of luck as she continues to discern the path forward with the Diocese of North Dakota.
