[Episcopal News Service] The Diocese of West Texas, poised to become one of the few Episcopal dioceses to employ a bishop suffragan, announced Sept. 13 a slate of three nominees in the running for the new leadership position.
The nominees are the Rev. Angela Maria Cortiñas, associate rector of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Austin, Texas; the Rev. Lee Curtis, the El Paso-based canon to the ordinary of the Diocese of the Rio Grande; and the Rev. Matthew Wise, associate rector, of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio.
Few Episcopal dioceses have more than one bishop, though in some larger dioceses, several bishops serve in elected suffragan roles or appointed assistant roles. In June 2024, the 81st General Convention passed a resolution, largely at the request of the Houston-based Diocese of Texas, to increase the number of suffragan bishops allowed in each diocese from two to three.
The Episcopal Church Constitution specifies that a diocese, on the diocesan bishop’s request, may call and elect a priest to be consecrated as a bishop suffragan, to serve alongside the diocesan bishop. Connecticut, New York and Texas are the only Episcopal dioceses currently served by bishops suffragan. Texas is the only with two.
The Diocese of West Texas, based in San Antonio, reports more than 26,000 members and 87 congregations across 60 counties. The call for a bishop suffragan was made by West Texas Bishop David Read, prompting a search process overseen by the standing committee. The election is scheduled for Oct. 19 at Church of the Good Shepherd in Corpus Christi.
The Rev. J. James Derkits III, president of the standing committee, announced the slate in a letter to the diocese. The text of his letter follows.
Dear Clergy and People of the Diocese of West Texas,
I am thrilled to be able to share with you our slate of nominees for the next bishop suffragan of our beloved diocese. We have been at work since the last Diocesan Council in February, organizing our Nominating Committee, recruiting nominations, and studying the vision for our diocese set forth by the Rt. Rev. Dr. David G. Read, D.D., Bishop of West Texas. The Holy Spirit has been invited into our discernment process again and again, leading us to this slate of nominees for our election on October 19, 2024.
The Committee has published a Meet the Nominees booklet to introduce and give insight into the ministry of each of these fine individuals. It is designed to help us prayerfully discern whom God is calling to serve as our next bishop suffragan alongside Bishop Read, as a second chair leader. Inside, you will find photos, biographical information, answers to ministry questions, and links to sermons.
Our Nominating Committee is a combination of our diocesan Standing Committee along with priests and laity from across our diocese. I am grateful to everyone who has carried out this holy work together.
It is with joy and hope that we share the slate of nominees, continuing the discernment process that concludes with the election of our bishop suffragan. Before the election, study this material, and attend the Discernment Forums the weekend of October 4 – 6. These forums will also be made available online.
Most importantly, invite the Holy Spirit’s ongoing work as we continue to pray for this process, all the nominees, our clergy and delegates who will be voting, and the whole diocese as we discern together for this time in the life of our diocese and our future. Know you will be in my prayers as well; I pray for open hearts and listening minds as God guides us to continue the ministry we are all called to in the Diocese of West Texas.
Peace,
James+