I’ve never voted in the election of a bishop, and as time passes, I’m increasingly grateful for that, and hopeful that I will never be burdened with that responsibility. Seeing the firestorm that was ignited by last week’s elections in the Diocese of LA, I can’t imagine what it would be like to be casting a ballot with the knowledge that all of the Anglican Communion, and perhaps the world-wide press, would be taking an interest.

I almost did vote in the election of a bishop, and even more onerously, I was nominated to serve on the Search Committee for the next Bishop of Upper South Carolina (thankfully, wiser heads prevailed and I was not selected). My prayers are with all of those people who will be casting ballots on Saturday in Columbia. I’m wondering what effect last week’s elections is having on this week’s. How are events in the wider church having an impact on the decision-making by those who will be voting?

I’ve not followed the discussions closely and know only two of the candidates at all. I’m curious to see how the clergy and the laity, after more than ten years of Bishop Henderson, go about choosing his successor.