[Diocese of Lexington] The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Lexington announced on June 15 the names of three nominees for election as the diocese’s ninth bishop.
“We are delighted to discern with these exceptional candidates where God is calling the Diocese of Lexington,” the standing committee said. “The Search Committee has undertaken this work with faithfulness, diligence and prayer. We are grateful for the many people throughout the diocese who participated in listening sessions, completed surveys, prayed for the process and helped us discern the gifts and leadership needed for the next season of our common life. We also give thanks to the candidates for their willingness to offer themselves to the servant ministry of a bishop.”
The candidates are:
• The Rev. Benjamin Hart, rector of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Anchorage, Kentucky.
• The Rev. Rob Keim, rector of St. Barnabas’ Episcopal Church, Arroyo Grande, California.
• The Rev. David Sibley, rector, St. Paul’s Church, Walla Walla, Washington.
The three nominees were presented by the Diocese of Lexington’s Bishop Search Committee following an extensive process of listening sessions, surveys, profile development, application review, interviews, background checks and discernment. The search began following Bishop Mark Van Koevering’s announcement in October 2024 that he would retire from active ministry.
Additional candidates may be added through a petition process established by diocesan canons. The petition period runs from June 15-22. Following the close of the petition process, the standing committee will announce the final slate of nominees on July 1.