Navajoland announces slate of nominees for missionary diocese’s first bishop
[Missionary Diocese of Navajoland] The Bishop Search Committee has announced a slate of three nominees for election as the first bishop of the Missionary Diocese of Navajoland. The election is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2026, with a backup date of Jan. 10.
Following approval by the diocesan Standing Committee on Nov. 6, the nominees are:
- The Rev. Alyssa Stebbing, rector of St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, Austin, Diocese of Texas.
- The Rev. Leon Sampson, co-vicar of the Southeast Region, Missionary Diocese of Navajoland.
- The Rev. Cornelia Eaton, canon to the ordinary, Missionary Diocese of Navajoland.
You can find more information on each candidate here.
Looking Ahead
The bishop-elect will succeed The Rt. Rev. Barry Beisner, bishop provisional, who will retire next year. The new bishop will be consecrated on May 9, 2026, in Farmington, New Mexico.
Members of the diocese are invited to gather with the nominees during regional meet-and-greet events from Dec. 3 to 11. After gathering in Farmington for initial meetings, each nominee will spend two and a half days in each of the regions.
About the Bishop Search Committee
The Bishop Search Committee is composed of six members, led by Marianita Chee, a lay member of All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Farmington. The Rev. Carol Tookey, of St. Luke’s Church, Huerfano, serves as assistant chair. The committee is assisted by The Rev. Ann Hallisey, a California-based consultant who supports bishop search processes across the wider church.
About the Standing Committee
At the first Diocesan Convention held in June 2025, the Rev. Canon Cornelia Eaton and the Rev. Leon Sampson were elected to serve as members of the Standing Committee. When they submitted their applications to stand for election as bishop, both clergy requested a leave of absence from the committee. The Standing Committee prayerfully accepted their requests and placed them on leave until after the election.
During this period, The Rev. Jack Chase is serving as pro tem president of the Standing Committee, ensuring the continued faithful work and discernment of the body.
